Southern California Trails

San Juan Trail - #SanJuanTrail

Socal - Orange County - San Juan Hot Springs NickNames: #SanJuanTrail

Drive south on I 5, exit on Ortega Highway (74). Travel east about 12.5 miles. Turn left on the dirt road just before the Ranger station. The Trailhead will be on your right in about one mile. Parking is near the grove of trees. Thomas Guide page 924 B1

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Trail UpdateThe trail could be better. The first half is pretty jacked up from all the fallen trees from the last storm. You have to do a lot of duckin and dodgin. The second half after cocktail rock is all good.alldownhill04 a 19 year old Downhiller riding a Mongoose Khyber from So Cal

Posted:01/07/2009

Trail UpdateSan Juan In The Heat-Got to the trailhead at 6:15 this morning to beat the heat, and it worked! If you get there at sunrise, you can bike most of the first hour in the shade. Plus nobody going downhill passes you! Trail conditions are as good as I imagine they can be for a heavily used trail in late summer. Passed a LOT of climbers on my downhill - you gotta watch the speed because the light covering of pebbles makes a quick stop difficult.Seaclasper a 3 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Pre-Masticated Aardvark from Cornwallis, Virginny

Posted:09/06/2008

Trail UpdateProbably a large bobcat....happens all the time. GhostRider a 31 year old

Posted:06/16/2008

Trail UpdateLions-riding down yesterday about twilight, in the area of the switchbacks, I chased a mountain lion down the trail. came upon it, startled it I think, and had in in view for about 5 seconds before it turned the corner of the switchback and disappeared. definitely a lion - could tell by the way the tail stayed "floating" as it ran.bobrsta a 53 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a fisher last night

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail Info Needed-I'm planning a visit to Orange County and wanted to ride the San Juan Trail while I'm in the neighborhood. Can anyone tell me if this is a premiere trail in the area or I should be looking elsewhere? I only have time for one ride. From the previous postings I didn't see any info about the trail except that it tends to be ridden by a bunch of sissy asses.a 99 year old Racer riding a Custom made from Dicksville

Posted:03/01/2008

Trail UpdateMoron-Profit a 25 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a faster bike than yours.

Trail UpdateWow, I come on this site expecting a tight community of riders and come on to see a bunch of 12 year old girls fighting over stupid drama. You guys are pathetic.

Anyways rode the trail today and just missed the storm. 1st time riding it today and it was a hell of a lot of fun. The rain added so much to the trail. There were quite a few muddy spots/puddles of water but it wasn't slippery except for the switchbacks.bc1627 a 19 year old

Trail UpdateSJT-You guys are a bunch of jackasses! This site is for trail updates not bashing. We all love to ride the trails here in socal, let's leave it at that. Robbie a 38 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Heckler

Trail UpdateDo you have a proper arguement, or just like bashing people who make mistakes on their spelling. Are you 12? You don't sound 25.Riding the trail has nothing to do with spelling. How much of a die hard enthusiast can you be if you ride the SJT and live in SoCal.Keep your Spelling Bee Winning Mouth shut you baby.DH Humanoid a 27 year old Downhiller

Posted:01/25/2007

Trail UpdateHey DH MTBIKE Humanoid:

We all wish you would "excerise" your mind and learn to spell "eticate." "Eticate??" Are you kidding?! Please tell me your first language isn't English--and your home isn't the USA. Go back to school or you'll continue to be schooled on this site, the trails and the street!

Profit a 25 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a faster bike than yours

Posted:01/24/2007

Trail UpdateWell instead of arguiing about who is better, more hardcore or who to give way to, lets just ride the damn trail. If you get run into, oh well... thats the risk you take when you ride. SJT is a pretty cool trail. We are all here because it says trail update. So does anyone have an update? I came here to see how the trail condition was and found bitching.No its not a championship 1st class trail and thats alright. We are not all 1st class championship riders. Just enjoy the SJT as much as you can and go home with a satisfied attitude, not a "Stupid downhiller wrecked my line" attitude.DH mtbiker humaniod

Posted:01/24/2007

Trail UpdateWelcome To 10 Years Ago....-You are all beating a dead horse. It doesn't matter what makes more sense. That's obvious. What matters is the rules of the trail, as established by the National Forest Service. Uphill has right of way, period. By ignoring it and causing problems on the trail, you give us all a bad name. And you are not doing DHers a service by throwing out slurs like "queer" and other divisive comments about XCers. San Juan is not a World Cup Downhill practice run. It is not a hardcore trail. Stay in the 909 if you can't avoid damaging our already tainted image.GRide

Posted:01/23/2007

Trail UpdateALRIGHT ALREADY!-Many people have their own opinions about Trail riding eticate. We all understand that. I agree some what with the long exhausting ripping apart of the XCers. And who Cares how old your are? Does that make you MORE hardcore because you are 36 or 38? He had a good point about DH riders coming down really fast and can't hear because of chain slap or have a harder time stopping. XCers that are going up should step aside. They are going alot slower. Its pretty easy to take a foot off. I know that maybe you might not want to wreck your progress going up by putting a foot down. I have ridden XC and DH and I prefer DH because of the speed and the ability to fly over rocks with ease. I still however pedal my bike uphill as much as i can becasue that is my cardio workout. We all Mt Bike because it is Fun or want some sort of excerise. God Knows i'm tired of running for excerise.Finally i have a hard time feeling sorry for XC riders. Or who says i should. They ride little tin can MT Bikes and thats fine. XC riders might not be as "Extreme" as DH riders, but never the less are pretty hardcore, going on 5 hour endurance rides. I couldn't last five hours if i tried. However A XC rider wouldn't have the balls to go off even a 6' drop not to metion a 30' drop.Just let the XCers be. We all are grown men sitting on small expensive seats. DH MTBIKE Humanoid a 27 year old Downhiller riding a Giant Faith from Redlands

Posted:01/23/2007

Trail UpdateWAt EvER-I DH, single speed, and XC the SJT all the time, both ways. One thing I'm almost certain of, if your 36 yrs old and can't firgure out how to turn your caps off on the key board, then you should sty in Lake Elsinore, cause your gonna hurt yourself on the trails.heheeeetoneloc a 38 year old

Posted:01/12/2007

Trail UpdateUh Huh...-Just slow down on the downhill, please, you don't have right of way no matter how much you think your blazing tank justifies it...or just run over people that will teach them.DudeVf1

Posted:12/29/2006

Trail UpdateXCHDR-SJT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANT'S TO EXPIERENCE ONE OF THE BEST TRAILS ON SOCAL. HOWEVER, I'M SICK OF ALL THE SLACK HARDCHORE XC RIDERS GIVE DH RIDERS ON THIS TRAIL. WHEN PASSING BY, I HEAR COMMENTS LIKE "SHUTTLER" OR "LOOK AT THAT PIG OR TANK YOUR RIDING" (REFERING TO MY 46 LB DOWNHILL FOES WITH 9.5" OF TRAVEL AND 1 CHAINRING). MANY ARE JOKING BUT THERE ARE MANY AHOLES OUT THERE. I'VE BEEN RIDING THIS TRAIL FOR 14 YEARS AND HAVE CAME ACCOSS MY SHARE OF JERKS. I DO DOWNHILL. HOWEVER, MOST OF THE TIME, I PEDAL MY DOWNHILL BIKE....NOT PUSH, ALL THE WAY UP WITHOUT STOPPING OR TAKING A BREAK. I LOVE IT WHEN YOU XC RIDERS COME FLYING UP TO ME, PASS ME WITH A SMERK...THEN I FIND YOU SITTING IN THE SHADE EATING A POWER BAR AS I PASS YOU UP. THEY THEN SAYIN THEIR MIND "A DOWNHILL BIKE CAN'T PASS ME" SO THEY GET BACK ON THE SADDLE AND PASS ME AGAIN. LATER, THEY STOP FOR A BREATH AND I PASS THEM AGAIN. IF YOU'VE BEEN RIDING THIS TRAIL LONG ENOUGH, YOU'VE PROBABLE SEEN ME MANY TIMES. HOWEVER, I DO APPRECIATE THE POSITIVE COMMENTS FROM ALL THE XC PEOPLE WE SPEAK WITH WHEN I EVENTUALLY BEAT A MAJORITY OF THEM TO THE TOP.I DO ADMIT, THERE ARE MANY XC RIDERS CLIMBING UP THAT I CAN'T COME CLOSE TO..BUT IT'S ONLY A FEW.IT'S ALL CONSISTANCY OF PACE PEOPLE. JUST..PLEASE STOP STEREO TYPING US DOWNHILLERS THAT WE ARE ALL SHUTTLERS JUST BECAUSE WE CARRY MORE THAN 3.72565" OF TRAVEL AND REFUSE TO HAVE RUBBER BAND TIRES. HERES MY FINAL GRIPE; THE RIGHT OF WAY DISCUSSED AND CLAIMED BELOW IS B.S. THE RIGHT OF WAY HAS TO DO WITH COMMON SENSE. I GIVE WAY TO DOWNHILLERS WHEN I'M CLIMBING. REASON IS THAT WHEN YOU ARE GOING DOWNHILL, THE WIND, CHAIN SLAP, BREAKING, SPEED, ETC MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO HEAR SOMONE COMING UP...EVEN WITH THOSE CUTE LITTLE XC "DINGERS". AT DOWNHILL SPEED, IT IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP FOR AN UPHILLER. ON THE OTHER HAND, WHEN CLIMBING, YOU ARE TYPICALLY GOING A FAIRLY SLOW PACE SO YOU CAN HEAR DOWNHILLERS COMING SWITCHBACKS AWAY. IT IS MUCH EASIER FOR ME TO STOP AND TAKE A FOOT OFF TO STEP ASIDE AND LET THEM BY. ESPECIALLY WHEN MOST DOWNHILLERS COME IN TRAINS. EVEN IF YOU DON'T AGREE...THE LEAST YOU CAN DO IS PEDAL TO THE SIDE AND KEEP YOUR LINE...WE WILL MAKE IT AROUND YOU. I CAN'T STAND THE IDIOTS I'VE SEEN THAT REFUSE TO SHARE THE TRAIL AND FLEX THIER ELBOWS OUT IN AN EFFORT TO NOT ALLOW US BY AT ALL. JUST USE COMMON SENSE. WE'RE ALL HERE TO HAVE FUN. IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE BIT OF RISK ASSOCIATED WITH SJT, THEN STAY IN YOUR YUPPY NEIGHBORHOOD AND JUMP OFF CURBS...JUST DON'T ARGUE THE RIGHT AWAY WITH THE MOM PUSHING HER STROLLER..YOUR PROBABLE A PUSS ANYWAY AND SHE WILL KICK YOUR A##. SJT IS NOT FOR THE WEAK OR TIMID. LASTLY...GET RID OF THOSE DAM LYCRA SHORTS YOU QUEERS...IT DOESN'T MAKE YOU ANY FASTER...IT JUST MAKES ME LAUGH WHEN YOU GET PISSED OFF AT ME FOR RIDING TOO FAST...NONE OF YOUR FRIENDS WANT TO SEE YOU LITTLE BULGE EITHER. DHXCR a 36 year old Downhiller riding a FOES DHS from LAKE ELSINORE URL: http://lhrosevear@netzero.com

Posted:12/29/2006

Trail UpdateLos Pinos-I believe the trail was brushed at the end of '05. There were a few stout branches that would wack your arm still, but nothing that would rip you off your bike. The only walking we had to do was the hike-a-bike sections, which were many.royta a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Flux from Corona, CA

Posted:05/18/2006

Trail UpdateLos Pinos Thing??/-Been more than a couple years since me and a pal went down that way. How is that old los pinos anyhow? Last time parts of the trail were lost to underbrush which made for very slow progress.... how much pushing through bushes did you have to do? Mtnbikerman a 29 year old

Posted:05/11/2006

Trail UpdateSan Juan - Los Pinos-We rode up San Juan on Saturday. Trail was in good shape. We took a left at Cocktail Rocks and took Old San Juan. From Blue Jay we continued on up and did the Los Pinos thing.royta a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Flux from Corona

Posted:03/28/2006

Trail UpdateSan Juan-Wow after readin all the post i think people need to chill,ya got a bike,legs and the desire just ride,nobody owns this trail.I go up and down,with that being said going down is much funner.The last time i went was x-mas of 05 and saw nobody so go on days like these.But it is funny,i have never run into anybody,but the one day i go out and their was literally me and two other people on the trail and we manage to run into each other.Oh and the width of a tire has nothing to do with causing ruts on the trail,thats just ridiculous.If that was the case than the smooth fire roads with big truck tires rolling over them would be nothing but a large rut.boonsepale a 34 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a i already told you from fullerton ca

Posted:01/09/2006

Trail UpdateSan Juan-I rode this trail starting at Blue Jay,i have camped and hiked this area many times but it was my first ride.The trail was in great shape,did not have any real issues with sandy areas but i have 2.5 tires so!I can see why this trail is one of the favorites,some good tech parts and some high speed areas.I found this out the hard way by a head on collison with another rider,neither were hurt so we just laughed it off.I was a little mad it knocked of my iron hores label (lol)but im over it.If you were the the person i ran into shoot me an e-mail!Riding a green Iron horse,with a white helmet.boonespale a 34 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Iron Horse G-spot,and Iron horse mk III team from Fullerton,ca

Posted:01/09/2006

Trail UpdateSJT - CORRECTION-"That's what I always tell my 11yo son each time we mtb..."ya CAN'T get the reward...b4 the punishment!"GhostRider a 31 year old

Posted:12/20/2005

Trail Updatethanks, mr. g. rider, for illustrating why the nut doesn't fall far from the tree...i'm turning my computer off for the rest of the week and heading to the hills, so look for me at cocktail rock if you want to continue the debate (we're all probably a little more civil in person). i'll be easy to spot: look for a black/blue fisher cake; i'll have my lung on my sleeve. i'll bring an extra granola bar for you...doug mann a Cross-Country Rider riding a road to recovery...

Posted:12/20/2005

Trail UpdateSan Juan-earn your downhill ? could this be more nair boy attitude ? sounds like it... hit the san juan to chaquito trail...sick... a little loose.live and let ridebungle riding a santa banshee trek dale

Posted:12/20/2005

Trail UpdateThis Gem-was off the hook this last weekend. I forgot how much I really love this ride. We did the Viejo Tie part and I couldn't help but notice that this trail has more of a "flow" feel to it, then just about anywhere else local. A lot of people were out for a ride as usual,but all were in good spirits and we had a great time. I got a multicolored bruise from a handlebar to the chest and a bloody knee,but it was well worth it. Trail does seem to be getting a little to sandy in parts, but it still one hell of a ride.Pain Freak

Posted:12/19/2005

Trail UpdateSJT For All-I believe you had us at "i earn my downhill miles..."

That's what I always tell my 11yo son each time we mtb..."ya can get the reward...b4 the punishment!"

GhostRider a 31 year old

Posted:12/19/2005

Trail Updategeez. i was just offering an opinion, not that it takes more than that to flush out a few neandertrolls...i didn't even mention dhers, because i know how sensitive they are (some of my best friends dh). i was talking more about newbie riders of all disciplines, that hear about the famous sjt and then try to "conquer" it- without having the necessary experience or skills. asking newer riders to try starting at the bottom is the equivalent of the "you can't go on this ride unless you're taller than mickey" signs at amusement parks. it keeps people from getting in over their heads...

anyway, it's still, more or less, a free country and there's still room (most of the time) for everybody on the trails, including me: an undertrained 45-year old school teacher who logs more hours dog-walking than rock-hopping. but i earn my downhill miles...

hugs and kisses/happy holidaysdoug mann a 45 year old Weekend Warrior riding a heap

Posted:12/19/2005

Trail UpdateGhost sounds like maybe your on Notorious back a lot...HerbNRider

Posted:12/15/2005

Trail UpdateSJT-I have only ridden this trail, up first, then down. However people want to ride it, doesn't bother me.

Notorious, I got yer back. F_ck 2W4S or whatever she calls herself.

GhostRider a 31 year old

Posted:12/14/2005

Trail UpdateNotorious, I can't decide if you're a troll or a tool. Either way, you've become predictable and boring.2W4S

Posted:12/14/2005

Trail UpdateUrnination Olympics-All of this jive is a good reason to stay away from the SJT altogether. I conceded this trail to you all right after the first time I rode it about seven years ago. Please, ride only his trail and continue to argue back and forth incessantly about who may have more of a right to be there. Trails like this need you.Notorious MTB a 42 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a lot of different bikes from anywhere but the SJT

Posted:12/14/2005

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-What in the hell is wrong with you guys, you're riders, all of you. Regardless of what type of riding you do. Yes, there are problems on the trail, no, not everyone respects one another out there but take a damn break! All I hear is a lot of bantering on who deserves to be on the trail or who rides it better. Screw all of you if you can't get your act together and just ride, Up or Down!. ...and if you want to complain about trail conditions then pick up a friggin' shovel and some clippers and fix it like I do. Do you realize while you guys fight over who has a better right to the trail that there is someone else out there trying to kick both your asses off the trail. Just shut up and ride! mintzebra a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Blur, Bullit, Solo-one, from Orange County

Posted:12/13/2005

Trail UpdateLast time the T.K. Riders were at S.J. there was a huge rut running down the middle of the lower section made climbing somewhat hard in those sections. I noticed we were the only ones climbing this trial since every one else was coming down with full Dianese Football gear, I thought I was at Bootleg Canyon. Dont get me wrong I love D/Hing but this little short trial that took us 45min to climb has not one feature that one needs to be wearing armor.Now if you chose to rock the Full Face thats cool, cant fault you there but leg armor! Come on guys the Manzanita bush does hurt that bad when you get whipped Does anyone not know how to use breaks out there? If your locking up your rear tire your just scrubbing speed off your D/H run or do you think those silly X/C guys like the way it looks when you Backhole skid that switchback?a 98 year old riding a A 35+ lbs A/M bike that will smoke u up or dn

Posted:12/13/2005

Trail Update2W45 - You're An Idiot!-First, you obviously don't agree with HerbNRider from your remarks. Second, I surely doubt that the extra 0.80 of an inch wider tire [2.70(large tire) - 1.9(your pansy tire) = 0.80, I showed you the math since I know you're an idiot] is the primary reason for a rut in the middle of the trail. All trail users are generally in the middle of the trail and there is also something called erosion. Thanks for the ignorant remarks and a good laugh. We're all just mountain bikers in the end!HBKING a 29 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense from Simi Valley

Posted:12/13/2005

Trail UpdateI agree with HerbNRider, If you can't ride up this trail in under an hour then you have no business being out on San Juan. Shuttlers are ruining this trail, there's a big rut right down the middle in parts from the big tires.

HerbNRider, we should hook up for an XC flog session, give me a shout!2W4S

Nothing wrong with shuttlers.....nothing wrong with climbers. Each group has their share of boneheads, although the majority of each group in my experience is pretty respectful.

One thing that is just a bad as the "few" riders on either side who do disrespect others on the trail, are the people who label an entire group because of the actions of a few.

Doug.....there are many people who want bikers completely off the trails because of their perception caused by a very small minority of riders. Labeling is a dangerous line of thought.

San Juan has room enough for everyone, and both the climbers and the people coming downhill need to work together. Most riders I've encountered going up and down are typically courteous and in control (except for a very small portion of riders).

Also, I think it's safe to say that every rider at some point has made some bonehead moves that have upset some else at one point or another (myself included). Everyone at one point or another has become lost in thought while riding and screwed up someone else's line.

Remember that even the climbers have to come down after getting to the top......and all of a sudden, we're no different than those who shuttle. We still want to go down "fast".

The shuttlers I met at Cocktail Rock last week were really good people, and after I offered to let them go down first; they weren't ready to go down yet, but they let me know the had a bell on one of their bikes, and gave me a good enough head-start to make it down to the bottom before them.

San Juan has room for everyone........just go ride and enjoy it. Don't judge an entire group from a few bad experiences.

I'll be out there tomorrow.

JamR a 50 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a a few bikes from San Juan

Posted:10/22/2005

Trail UpdateHEY DOUG MANN!!!-YOU GIVE MOUNTAIN BIKERS A BAD NAME. QUIT STEREOTYPING AND BEING A PLAYER HATER. I BELIEVE IN EARNING YOUR RIDE DOWN, SO I ALWAYS RIDE UP AND DOWN. BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN MY WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY OR THE ONLY WAY. DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS. I AGREE THAT ANYONE RIDING DOWNHILL NEEDS TO USE CAUTION, GOOD TECHNIQUE AND GIVE THE RIGHT OF WAY TO UP HILLERS. BUT THAT RULE APPLYS TO EVERYONE, NOT JUST DOWN HILLERS. DEAL WITH THE IRRESPONSIBLE RIDERS ON A ONE ON ONE BASIS. IF YOU'RE NOT MAN ENOUGH TO TALK TO THEM FACE TO FACE, THEN SHUT UP! A "MOUNTAIN BIKER" IS A "MOUNTAIN BIKER". REGARDLESS OF WHAT STLY HE OR SHE CHOOSES, WE STILL ALL DO IT FOR THE LOVE OF"MOUNTAIN BIKING". ONE LAST NOTE: IF YOU'RE SO GOOD, WHY HAVEN'T I READ ABOUT YOU IN A MOUNTAIN BIKE MAGAZINE? CONEJO3RD (GYSGT/USMC/RET) a 41 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a SPECIALIZED BIGHIT COMP W/ JR. from SAN MARCOS, CA.

Posted:10/21/2005

Trail UpdateSAN JUAN-yeah thanks for the advice doug...when I shuttle I skid into every corner side ways with my truck. I 'll ease up on the brakes. the trail is too skinny for my truck anyways, so I ride my big fat heavy bike.anyhow enough of the shuttle vs. climbing issuelive and let ridebungle a 31 year old Downhiller riding a santa banshee trek

Posted:10/19/2005

Trail UpdateGee thanks doug...your superior intelligence is clearly apparent! So all shuttlers are inexperienced and don't know how to brake but gnarly XC guys like yourself got it wired.....HerbNRider

Posted:10/19/2005

Trail UpdateShuttle...?-if you're not strong enough to ride the trail from the bottom (and it's not that difficult), then you should think twice about shuttling. first, it takes hours longer because of the driving. second, it makes the trail a lot more dangerous with people flying down who don't know the current trail conditions. also, inexperienced shuttlers are tearing up the turns because they don't know how to properly brake.so buck-up and ride it right...doug mann a Cross-Country Rider

Posted:10/18/2005

Trail UpdateChiquita Trail-Did the Blue Jay Campground to San Juan Loop trail via the Chiquita Trail on Thursday. Judging by the amount of spider webs we encountered across the trail, the Chiquita hasn't been ridden much - no tire tracks. This trail is bone dry, as is the waterfall. Poison oak plentiful, but avoidable along upper half. Lower half is a grind going down - lots of rocks. Not another soul in sight until the San Juan Loop. Going up this trail must be an all day event. Take lots of water.flunky51

Posted:10/15/2005

Trail UpdateHow To Shuttle-1st, drop a car at Blue Jay Campground.2nd, drive down to "San Juan Hotsprings" and start the ride up "San Juan Trail"

After a few hours of sweet singletrack, you will arrive at Blue Jay Campground and your shuttle car.Easy! Remember to hammer!JRoach a 33 year old from San Juan Cap

Posted:09/14/2005

Trail UpdateShuttle?-Can anyone tell me how you shuttle to the trail head?

Posted:09/12/2005

Trail UpdateFire Danger-Man I burned up this trail on Saturday! I thought that my Larsen TTs were gonna' set fire to that thing! Trail's in great shape - and strangely there weren't many people. Saw a couple downhillers with nice tinkle tinkle bells a ringin' and that was neat but otherwise just us and the horseflys.Fang Grebelski a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Fuel 90 from The OC

Posted:07/12/2005

Trail UpdateSan Juan-Rode San Juan last Saturday and the trail was in good shape but noticibly more difficult than a couple of months ago. The trail had some parts that were a little sandier and you can tell that trail use has caused some erosion over the last few months. Nothing more really worth reporting, if you've ridden the trail you know how it is. If you haven't, the climb up to "Cocktail Rock" is not for the out of shape rider. Watch out for downhillers because they are not always watching out for you. Finally, you can't rest for too long or the flies will have you for lunch, yes they bite! Other than that a great ride especially the way down. Cheers.ICPAYDIRT a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight from Pacific Beach .com

Posted:06/08/2005

Trail UpdateSan Juan -Bushwackathon-Rode San Juan trail on Saturday May 29th, the trail is actually in good condition most of the way from the campgrounds down to the lower parking lot. A few loose rocky sections and a few ruts but many parts were pretty smooth. One MAJOR problem. OVERGROWTH!!, prepare to get wacked! San Juan needs some serious trimming. If anyone is up for it contact the ranger station and get approval if you want to do some maintenance. Jeff Tice a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Blur, Tazmon, and Bullit from Lake Forest URL: http://www.Flamingtricycle.com

Posted:05/30/2005

Trail UpdateViejo Tie-Viejo Tie is a really fun trail, but bring a map if you've never done it, some idiot removed the signs. Tight spots and small drops can be found on this trail, and it recently has been brushed, so PO is at a minimum. Thanks WS!! The trail is in great condition, grippy. Spotted a pair of coyotes hunting in the meadows around BlueJay, but no trail users to be found this Friday morning. Perfect!

Ezyrider2 a 42 year old riding a spot from da beach

Posted:04/22/2005

Trail UpdateLatest Update?-I'm looking to ride San Juan tomorrow and want to know how the trail is and if it is even rideable after yesterdays rains.carbonman a 43 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a joker from fullerton

Posted:03/24/2005

Trail UpdateSan Juan Loop-Did this ride on Sunday 3-13-05, from Blue Jay to the candy store and it was great! There were a couple get offs and hike-a-bikes, but conditions were pretty good and well worth the ride.Burdman a 39 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Stump from Aliso Viejo

Posted:03/16/2005

Trail UpdateUpdate.. I headed up to San Juan Trail on Saturday, and the trail is in very good condition. The trail was in far better shape that expected. 100% ridable... All the switchbacks and even the three washouts about 1/4 of the way up were ridable.

Shleppy

Posted:03/14/2005

Trail UpdateAnyone know about the trial conditions of the San Juan Trail since the last rain ? I haven't ridden the trail in quite a while.

I'm thinking about riding it on Saturday, but if it's hammered.....maybe not.Shleppy a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Hoopty XL 2000 Deeeeelux

Posted:03/10/2005

Trail UpdateSAN JUAN/CHIQUITA TRAIL-Did a shuttle ride on Sunday, started at the top of San Juan and took the turn for Chiquita. It was wet and cold but it was awesome. No one around, just the six of us cruising on plenty of smooth sections despite all the rain. Some ruts and washouts but it was just one of those rides you remember. Plenty of blowdowns on Chiquita, we cleared a few and rerouted a couple others. Hope to get up there again for a little maintenance. Lots of tree damage when you get down to the campgrounds along with some busy watercrossings. Prepare to get wet!

Trail UpdateThe trail was not wet at all today. Just 4 or 5 small puddles that were easily bypassed. However, the trail is in awful condition. Huge ruts, VLB's (very large boulders) are partially blocking the trail in several locations. There was a lot of hike-a-biking (up and down) because of the ruts. We only climbed up to Cocktail Rock and descended, so I can't comment on the loop at the top. Other riders who were coming down from the upper loop said that was also in really bad condtion. This trail needs some serious first aid (in the form of maintenance) ASAP.DirtCrab a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a SC Blur & Kona SS from San Diego

Posted:01/29/2005

Trail UpdateOpen-now.Try it again.News also says it's open.I still think with the recent rain even San Juan will be to wet.I work not far from there and we got quite a bit of rain there today.Pain Freak riding a Surly Turner from The 909

Posted:01/28/2005

Trail UpdateOrtega Closed-http://www.dot.ca.gov/

type in 74

still closed as of noon Friday.texlepomis a 28 year old

Posted:01/28/2005

Trail UpdateIs Ortega Hwy. Open Yet ?-is ortega hwy open yet? has anyone riden the trail lately? how is it? thanks in advance to who ever replies.a Weekend Warrior

Posted:01/28/2005

Trail UpdateIs Ortega Hwy. Open Yet ?-is ortega hwy open yet? has anyone riden the trail lately? how is it? thanks in advance to who ever replies.a Weekend Warrior

Posted:01/28/2005

Trail UpdateIs Ortega Hwy. Open Yet ?-is ortega hwy open yet? has anyone riden the trail lately? how is it? thanks in advance to who ever replies.a Weekend Warrior

Posted:01/28/2005

Trail UpdateNope-The 74 is closed at Grand in Elsinore.No going up.The guy there (the one with the slow/stop sign) told us he heard they'll open Wednesday.Pain Freak riding a Surly Turner from The 909

Posted:01/20/2005

Trail UpdateProbably-That's if I was inclined to drive 60 miles to get to a trail head 9 miles from my house. ;)

I think I'll wait for Ortega to open this coming monday.

Was just wondering if anyone has somehow ridden the SJT in the past week and viewed the trail conditions.JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

Posted:01/19/2005

Trail Updatecan't you still take the 15 to 74 to bluejay???Mytrustysteed a 30 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Gary fisher sugar 4+ from Mission viejo

Posted:01/19/2005

Trail UpdateUpdate Please-I know that Ortega is closed, but has anyone here found a creative way to get to the SJT, and if so; what's the condition of the south switchbacks?

Just curious how the pre-rain maintenance held up.JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

Posted:01/19/2005

Trail UpdateOrtega Hwy Closed-FYI Ortega is closed at Antonio, so there is no way to get to the trailhead that I am aware of. There is a wash out on the road and its supposed to be closed for a week.EJ a 42 year old Cross-Country Rider from OC

Posted:01/12/2005

Trail UpdateViejo Tie Work-the email said 'rain or shine'. just the sort of foolishness I was looking for.

a group of 10 of us met at the top of san juan, at blue jay, at 9 AM, to do a little trail maintenance on the viejo tie and chiquita trails. it had been raining now for - ever - it seemed, and we were all just driven to get out into the world we know again. the world of men and machines had been oppressing us under a gray sky for too long without break.

rain or shine.

rain it was. assembling in blue jay were some of oc's finest. riders, explorers, adventurers all, shut away too long at work and responsibility. trail work had been planned for awhile, we were shut out from the coldwater work, so this seemed like a worthy endeavor in its place.

gathered at the parking lot in blue jay, grabbing grub axes, macleouds and shovels, gray and wet falling on us even now at the start, getting ready to head off, that darling little Sprite brought out some delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies to augment our breakfasts. in an adventure where only a few hardy men showed up, this amazing young lady was out here showing again she's got as much of the right stuff as any of the guys. her cookies tasted like a little ray of sunshine on a morning that offered none from above. I pulled on some old powder pants that hadn't been out of the closet in a decade, and off we struck.

right out the gate, keith leads us 100 yds down a dead end, a short cut from the campground to the san juan trail that existed only somewhere in the recesses of his brain. we turned around, grabbed another footpath heading south and took off. the trailed was tightly flanked on both sides by shrubs just dripping wet, the ground running with rivulets of reddish muddy water. a light rain was coming down as we found jan juan trail.

down we hiked over loose rocks, roots and slick sides of deep erosion cuts. easy fun conversation made it into the beginning of an adventure. when we got to the top of chiquita trail we dropped the tools to scour the surrounding scrub forest for the 4x4 steel trail marker.

a few years back, a series of steel posts marking the trail junctions had been installed. anybody who has ridden the trails here consistently has seen them. seems a few weeks/months back, some knuckle draggers came through and had some vandalous fun ripping them out. they were either in the surrounding shrubs or adorning some fool's pad or bedroom now. given the rather hefty weight of the signposts, we were hoping we would find them somewhere nearby.

well, we spent 20 minutes fanning out through the thick overgrown native fauna of south oc without success. came up empty handed. maybe the idiot(s) that yanked it to begin with will one day recognize their idiocy and think to go back and retrieve it. if you're reading this post, just fish it out of the bushes where you tossed and set it by the trail. no one has to know and a later party will plant it. its never too late to do the right thing.

undeterred, we pushed on down san juan. the place is getting thickly grown and after all the rains we're having this winter, is going to just explode with growth this spring when the sun returns from wherever its been hiding for so long. along the way, we cut a quick puddle drain here, snapped back a particularly overhung bush and kept on, making our way to the top of the viejo tie trail.

another of the signs used to mark this spot as well. here the brush was little easier to push through (but not that easy). so we all forced our way out into the sage and manzanita, hoping to have better luck here. but it wasn't to be. despite our earnest intent to locate the signpost, we came up short again. I've seen these things and I'd wager they weigh in around 60 lbs and I cannot imagine how - misguided (let's be charitable) - one would have to be to yank one of these and secret it away so well.

we set down the viejo tie trail and here we got into some serious work. building waterbars, filling in erosion ruts, cutting back downed branches. we put in a couple of good hours here, helping ol' mom nature along with a little housecleaning. she's given us all so much with this beautiful land, its nice to give just a little back.

all the while, the skies were gray and the rain came down light, heavy and in between. everybody was pretty well soaked by this point. interesting, too, is that large trash bags, by my observation anyway, provided the best protection. high tech gear, no matter the brand, seemed to be no match for the steady fall of water from above.

after a few hours of this, and me regretting I had neglected to bring the ibuprofen along, we struck back up the chiquita trail from where the viejo tie, well, ties in. even along this march back, we found plenty of opportunities to make the trail just a little better. for me anyway, fatigue was starting to set in, it was getting cold, the wind and rain were getting stronger, and I was starting to think of hot rum drinks, a hot meal and a hot shower. as we pushed hard back up the long trek to the san juan campground, the water was running off the trail now in sheets and small creeks. I walked right up the middle of it, as the boots and socks were completely soaked, with that squishy feeling as the water is forced out of the fabric of my socks and sloshes between my toes with every step.

finally into the campground and back onto asphalt. just a short bit left to the cars. just enough time for a little philosophical rambling about the vast masses of people, of which we are not a part, sitting in their homes bemoaning the rain, while a few hardy spirits ventured into a day of adventure and mission. going for real where others only dream......

well, I hope it stops raining one of these days SOON so I can get out and test our work.Ride distance: 8 miles Elevation change: Bobrsta a 50 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a pair of legs today from Aliso viejo

Posted:01/08/2005

Trail UpdateOh yeah, it is on.

Trail maintenance is on for tomorrow. We do our best work in the rain. Ever see the Chiquita reroute? Rain. Oaks and Taco? Rain. Bring on the rain, baby.

See ya then!GC

Posted:01/07/2005

Trail UpdateMaintenance Update-The showers we were expecting from the weather reports earlier in the week are now a full blown storm; so if it keeps up like this tonight and through the morning, the trail maintenance probably will not happen.

There still might be a few of us who go out tomorrow morning if it's only raining lightly to assess the trail, and see if we can do a little bit to slow the water down; but I would not recommend a lot of people.

Especially with all the oak trees around the parking area, lots of branches will probably be coming down as one person found out last week. Not good for the vehicles.

If you do come out, park wisely.

Thanks

JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

Posted:01/07/2005

Trail UpdateSaturday Maintenance-Is anyone here up for this Saturday’s maintenance at SJT.

Looks like rain, so here’s your chance to get some exercise, and get dirty. Just like mountain biking without the bike. ;)

See ya there

JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

Posted:01/06/2005

Trail UpdateRain Maintenance-Actually it's really not that bad and as Bob said, the wetter the better when it comes to the San Juan DG.

If we get enough people we can really make a difference and slow down the water on the switchbacks and divert it properly so the trail will be in top shape when the weather clears up.

It will probably be one of the first ride able trails once the rain stops, so It will more than likely get a lot of immediate use right after this next storm passes.

I’ll be there rain or shine.

Thanks

JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

Posted:01/05/2005

Trail UpdateWork in the rain? THat's ridiculous. Good luck on getting anyone there. So tempting.

OC Frodo a Cross-Country Rider

Posted:01/05/2005

Trail UpdateTrail Maintenance!!!-Received an e-mail from CanyunTrash regarding maintenance at the lower section of SJ

Let’s get as many riders as possible to get the switchbacks on the south slopes repaired.

Bring rain gear, boots, Mcleods, mattocks, shovels and gloves. We'll be working on the erosion problems on the lower switchbacks.

There's an excellent possibility of food after the work; there's also an excellent possibility of rain, but the wetter the better when it comes to working in the DG soil of San Juan.

e-mail me or canyuntrash so we can get an approximate head count.

Thanks

JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

Posted:01/05/2005

Trail UpdateAgreed....Peace....-Sorry if I sounded condescending, but my first post was a simple trail update which is what this section is for. There was no contradiction between the Aliso post and the SJ post. Both were trail condition updates with some additional information on the Aliso post due to my conversation with the Ranger, and with the upcoming dialogues with the County to try to get access to closed trails.

I simply stated that the south slopes at SJ were wet but ride able, and all in all, the trail was in pretty good shape. I also admitted that if we get much more rain, we might also need to give this trail a rest. I thought that was a pretty fair evaluation of the SJ trail as I observed it on Saturday.

There are ruts in almost every trail and park in Orange County, but that does not preclude us riding them. Most of our trails need maintenance repairs from time to time to mitigate erosion ruts.

My point was simply that when riding SJ; even on the wet spots, the tires were not sinking into the soil and mud was not collecting on the tires. Aliso does not hold up as well as SJ.

There are places that can be ridden during inclement weather conditions without adverse impact to the trails. Aliso is not one of them, SJ is.

With the possibility of rain for the next 4 to 5 days, it looks like we’ll all be taking to the club or the road for a while.

JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

Posted:01/02/2005

Trail UpdatePeace-regarding personal attacks, you might want to read your post again. Should my response surprise you when your tone is so condescending and you make comments such as "if you were a regular rider". I'm (JamR)intelligent enough to know. You are weak because you post anonymously and telling me to "learn my trails". Is it really surprising to you that after the rains we've had that some people would think it inappropriate to ride yesterday? Yes, I post anonymously because I've found that on the internet some people will go to extreme lengths to exact revenge for a simple disagreement in a thread. You've seen it or heard about it certainly.

I have no issues with your Aliso post and in fact agree with everything you said but was just surprised that you would be out riding San Juan. You're right, I wasn't there so I don't know, but you admitted there were ruts and damage that would need to be fixed.

Me, I don't hold grudges, so peace and keep up the good work for the mtb community, but I might suggest to ratchet back on the condescention a little bit in your posts.

Posted:01/02/2005

Trail UpdateSJ-I’m always amazed a how easy it is for people to get personal in their posts, when they post under the cover of anonymity. Very brave indeed.

Not sure what got you so ticked off whoever you are, and I don't remember indicating you or anyone I knew were the riders caught in Aliso-Woods.

If you weren’t out at SJ today then you cannot speak about the conditions there.

Also the Ranger took the quickest and least time consuming form of enforcement that would make the most impression on the individuals. And he was irritated when I talked to him about people ignoring the "Park Closed" signs and creating more work for him. I'm sure he will call the sheriff in when needed. Before too long they will have the power of citation themselves to where calling for the Sheriff’s assistance will not be necessary.

I think he's trying to do a good job and get his head into the attraction of mountain biking in the park, and needs to get our support. What part of this would you have difficulty with?

Again, I think I can tell when a trail is ride able, and many times I've turned around at a trailhead when the conditions were not right for riding.

If simply asking people to call ahead to the park to see if it's open ticks some people off....nothing I can do about that.

And if there's no rain tonight or tomorrow, SJ will be a good ride again. Anymore rain, and it will probably need some rest (which I stated in my previous post).

I don't really see any conflicts or controversy here, or any correlation to the closure of Aliso-Woods.

Try not to get so irritated over little things and just ride.

JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

Posted:01/01/2005

Trail UpdateLet's All Bow Down To JamR-The almighty God of mountain biking. Please advise when we need to give the trails a rest in your all knowing opinion. Perhaps the threshold is 7 inches of rain in a week, not 6?

I do know the trails and know that STT has been a mess in places with a fraction of the rain we have gotten in the last few days. Glad to hear that SJ is in good shape and that you only made a few ruts, but so did everyone else too.

Everyone knows that CNF is open after rain, so the fact that it is not closed says nothing about what damage you may be doing to the trail. And no I wasn't the idiot riding at Aliso. I did a road ride today. If the Rangers were that pissed, why didn't they call the Sheriff and have the violators cited?

Posted:01/01/2005

Trail UpdateDifferent Trails-Most people who ride regularly locally know the make up of the trails.

SJ is composed mainly of DG and percolates the water very well. The only wet spots today at SJ were on some of the flat sections of the south slopes. There are some ruts that will need mitigation at some point (just as in every park during the winter), but all in all the trail was a very clean and easy ride today. No caking up on the tires, no slipping in the wet spots, etc...

Nothing on SJ will cake up on your tires or leave deep ruts that will get baked into the clay.

Aliso in contrast can get severe deep tire ruts that then get baked in if not treated properly.

STT is also similar to SJ except for a few spots that do get very slimy and stick to the tires. That's why I chose SJ today like 30 to 40 other riders.

Anyone who will ride a trail knowing their tire is sinking 3 to 4 inches into the surface is not practicing common sense.

You need to know your trails and the rules. SJ was not subject to any closures as was thr case at Aliso Woods. No one riding SJ today broke the law by tossing the "park closed" sign aside and riding a closed park.

Also, read my previous post closer.

"If we get much more rain we may need to give this trail a rest for a short period"

I ride enough to where I do understand the limits of the trails ability to handle water.

If I would have seen that my presence was damaging the trails, I would have simply turned around and went to the club for a spin or took to the road.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said about the morons who drove to Aliso and chose to ride a closed park anyway, just to receive warning notices and piss off the Ranger. Not smart in my book.

Please learn your trails, and if you want to be taken seriously by me, have the courage to post your name and e-mail address.

There's already too much weakness in our sport and we need more people willing to stand up for our sport.

I'm intelligent enough to read the trails and know when and where to ride; and have enough common sense to know when to take my riding to the road until the trails can handle my presence.

Thanks

JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

Posted:01/01/2005

Trail UpdateWet Trails-Under the Aliso Woods trail you implore us not to ride AW to prevent trail damage among other things, yet you feel it is ok to ride San Juan after severe rains. I find it hard to believe that San Juan is dry yet AW is not.a Cross-Country Rider

Posted:01/01/2005

Trail Update01/01 Update-The south slope switchbacks were pretty wet in a few spots but very rideable. All in all the trail is in pretty good shape, but a few of the ruts are getting a little deep.

If we get much more rain we may need to give this trail a rest for a short period; otherwise it's currently still a very good ride.

Have fun.JamR a 49 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a A few bikes from Capo

Posted:01/01/2005

Trail UpdateGreat Day For Reverse Shuttle-Reverse shuttle today in the rain! (12/27) Climbing San Juan in the rain is way better than climbing under the evil eye of the sun. Dropped a car at Blue Jay, drove down to Hot Springs and boom, 3 hours of sublime singletrack climbing. There are some mud holes but nothing my VP-Free can't handle. San Juan downhill is so boring that the reverse shuttle is the only way to enjoy this trail (hardly anyone else doing it).Mike Patton a 32 year old riding a Santa Cruz VPFREE from San Juan Cap

Posted:12/30/2004

Trail UpdateGreat Ride Today-Climbed the trail to cocktail rock and then did the loop counterclockwise. Trail is in decent shape..very tacky, nothing too washed out. Lots of shuttle riders coming down from Blue Jay but everyone was paying attentionRide distance: 19 miles Elevation change: 3,150 feetSingletrack=100% EJ from OC

Posted:11/26/2004

Trail UpdateSan Juan / Blue Jay-Met up with four pals last thursday and dropped two cars for shuttle. Don't bag us for not doing it round trip, we didn't have 6 hours to waste. As it was it took 1 hour and 45 mins one way... Trail out of Bluejay was in fantastic shape, except for all the "Poison Oak" some rain ruts with only 1 or 2 mud bogs. lower portion a little loose with only 1 or 2 wash outs. Switchbacks well worn and need some repair... All in all a great ride.Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 12 miles Elevation change: 2500Singletrack=100% Ksam911dad a 47 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Cannondale Jekyl 100 sl from La Verne, Ca.

Posted:11/16/2004

Trail UpdateAndre-Will be supplying all the beer and spirits you can consume for then you can ride this trail.Thanks Andre.SJT Tomarrow for me. riding a from

Posted:07/02/2004

Trail UpdateSan Juan Closed-Trail closed to all. Ranger told me I couldn't ride it without "paying for it". I gave her the glove slap and rode anyway. Trail sucks. Flat and rutted, totally uninspired. Only worth doing if you are really drunk.Ride rating: Noviceandre a 31 year old riding a ellsworth moment from San Juan Cap

Posted:07/01/2004

Trail UpdateSan Juan For First Time-Dirt Klaud and I rode here this morning, for me it was my first time and DK was his second time. Started out on those very deeply rutted/bang your pedals switchbacks....up up and up. A fairly easy climb up to cocktail rock with a lot of loose gravel and cliffside exposure. Came across a few people coming down and they were all polite and pulled over (except for a young kid who probably didn't know any better). Rested for a bit a cocktail rock, then headed up the steep climb/hike a bike to Old San Juan. On the steep technical downhill section I watched as DK's front tire went sideways in a big rut and sent him 180ing into the dirt and leaves. After I finished laughing and snapping a couple of pics, I helped him clean off all the leaves stuck to his back. We then headed right at the 4 way back toward cocktail. The first part was slight climbing nothing difficult, middle section is very fun slightly downhill, then it turns to some pretty tough technical sections of climbing again. Then it was time to head down to the truck, the dowhill is just as tiring as the climbs, but a lot of fun. Made it down without incident and we were both really pooped out!! We'll be back, but when it is cooler next time. Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 19 Elevation change: RDC a 29 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Foes FXR

Posted:06/27/2004

Trail UpdateSan Juan To Falcon Up And Back-Just a quick note here as I did this trail on 5/28. Great ride, trail is in excellent shape. Saw a few people this day, everyone was polite and knew the right of way rule. Something new in the parking area had caught my attention... I guess the DFS decided they needed a day-use type fee collection box. Its not clear if you need to pay the fee even if you have the adventure pass, or if its for people who do not have the pass? I did not pay the $5, but did have my adv.pass up, and did not get a ticket... so just FYI, if you dont have adv.pass, you can just pay when you get to the trail head... or not or whatever, just posting that there has been a change recently at the bottom parking area. Go out and ride!Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 22miles Elevation change: yesSingletrack=95% Paved Path=5% Mtnbikerman a 29 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant NRS from Long Beach

Posted:05/31/2004

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-Bottom to Old SJT/SJT Junction. Excellent ride but I suggest starting early (7am) as it gets hot! Ruts are tricky and loose and mistakes can be painful. Everyone was polite and obeyed the "uphill has right of way rule". I dont care if its a shuttle or being climbed, nor should you... just respect the trail, leave only tire tracks and watch the skidding. Thanks.Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 18ml round trip Elevation change: 2300-2400Singletrack=100% Jeff a 45 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a ID from Carlsbad

Posted:05/30/2004

Trail UpdateSJT-Rode from Blue Jay down to lunch rock bout 5 miles or so,trail was great ,weather was great started at 1:15 sun had just came out from clouds back to truck at 3:45,fell once[damm rocks n' ruts nothin broke just a little blood on knee n elbow[kool].Ilike riding from this side better than the bottom,except for the rocks,lots more forest and the uphill back is much cooler.Seen 2 snakes said hello n goodbye,no bears or lions.Trail was void of all humans,had the place to myself.Is ther really some waterfalls or springs out there,let me know what trail has m' if anyone knows.Good ridin to all.Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 9miles Elevation change: 1000Singletrack=100% Todd a 40 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a mongoose pro from murrieta

Posted:04/08/2004

Trail UpdateOh Yea-by the way there are 0 bears thats zero bears in the Santa Ana mtns. Little black bears can be found in most of the other mtn ranges around SoCal. But there are no bears in the Santa Ana's. I have seen bobcats, and lots of big birds of prey (Vultures were hanging out the other day in Trabuco) but no bears -put the crack pipe down and step away :)Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant MCM Team from Long Beach

Posted:04/08/2004

Trail UpdateUm Yea, Right-not calling you a liar, but would suggest something to you... perhaps these were coyotes you saw. Been riding this range for a decade and have never seen a mtn. lion but have seen evidence of them. I have came up on coyotes many times, but as far as lions go no way. A Mtn.lion has one major weapon that is its stealth. They hunt solo, and that means they need to sneak up on the prey. That is thier nature, it stands to reason, if you see a mtn.lion, it has already seen you first, and usually hide from humans since we are not really something they see as prey (usually). Most likely a coyote or two, as they tend to be less stealthy then the lion. I was in Trabuco canyon a couple days ago, this area is more remote and "feels" more like mtn.lion country, but have never seen one. Please everyone be aware when you are out there, but in most cases these "sightings" and mistaken, and while you should be aware, you should not be afraid. Statistically you are more likely to die in a car crash on your way to the trail than being attacked by a lion... way more :)PeaceRide rating: NoviceRide distance: as far as you can go Elevation change: change your viewpointSingletrack=100% Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant MCM Team from Long Beach

Posted:04/08/2004

Trail UpdateSLEEPY LIONS-1 MILE ABOVE LUNCH ROCK.UNDER 60 POUNDS.VERY SLEEPY.DID NOT CARE TO EVEN LOOK AT ANY RIDERS.I HEARD THERE WERE 2 AT LUNCH ROCK EATING THEIR OWN LUNCH.THERE OUT THERE.ITS A GAMBLE. I'VE SEEN THEM ON OTHER RIDES.THEYEITHER RUN OR STARE.THEY ARE ALWAYS SMALL IN SIZE.SEEN BOBCATS,BEARS & CAYOTES TOO.Ride distance: 13 Elevation change: 2500Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10% WINSTON a 35 year old Weekend Warrior riding a KONA STINKY from LAVERNE

Posted:04/07/2004

Trail UpdateHey Winston-when you said " one small sleepy lion" are you saying you saw a mountain lion on this trail? I"ve been riding this trail for 12 years and have never seen one (not that I'm complaining, I'd love to see one from a distance maybe)So, where exactly did you see it?Mytrustysteed a 30 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Gary fisher sugar 4+ from Mission viejo

Posted:04/05/2004

Trail UpdateBad Ass Trail-First time ever there. The trail met it's expectations and exceeded it's reputation as a bad ass trail. Shuttled up to Blue Jay(13 mile uphill? You kidding me?!?!?) , met some really friendly and informative riders who showed us the way. The trail is awesome!!! The clouds and the mist cause for a cold ride however. As for the trail, even though there are lots of rocks(which cause my 3 friends and I the occassional tumble) the trail itself is awesome.

The previous message is correct in saying that the XCers were some of the nicest and informative XCers ever. Gotta do this again! Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 13 Elevation change: Team Specialized a 25 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 2004 Enduro Expert from Cerritos

Posted:04/04/2004

Trail UpdateSAN JUAN-FIRST TIME FOR THIS RIDE.WE TRIED DOING A SHUTTLE THIS TIME.HAD CLOUD COVER MOST OF THE RIDE.WHAT A TRAIL!LIKE THE DARK FOREST AT THE BEGINNING.I SWEAR A TREE REACHED OUT AND GRABED ME.DONT CARE FOR THE 1 MILE OF ROCKY SECTION.BUT THE FAST LAST 6 MILES OF DOWNHILLWERE THE PAYOFF.THATS WHAT WE CAME FOR.WE HAD FULLFACEHELMETS AND FULL PADS.AND THE XC GUYS GOING UP WERE SOME OF THE BEST/POLITE RIDERS WE'VE SEEN IN A WHILE.ONLY 1 SMALL SLEEPY LION TODAY.THE ONLY BAD PARTS OF THE DAY WAS TO SEE A FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT SCENE ON THE WAY HOME.HWY 74 IS KNOWN FOR THAT.Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 13 MILES Elevation change: 2400Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=10% WINSTON a 35 year old Weekend Warrior riding a KONA STINKY from LAVERNE

Posted:04/04/2004

Trail UpdateSJT Rocks-rode sjt for the first time on saturday and had a absolute blast.... i rode up to the rocks hung a left and made the right at the 4 way split to head back up towards the rocks. the trail was abit wet up at the top but the majority of the trail was moist and tachy. the climb was not as difficult as i thought it would be, the grade was actually doable thoughout the entire ride. i did have the unfortunate tumble caused by my front wheel QR that came undone.... note to self do not face the QR lever forward when riding close to brush.... i was hauling butt through a tight section with branches tight on both sides, i think one of the braches caught up on my QR and to make a long story short i have some nasty rock gashes on my left knee, blood everywhere. thank goodness i work in surgery cause i was able to do some serious trailside first aid. all in all i had a great time and i'll definitely be backRide rating: AdvancedRide distance: 19 Elevation change: Singletrack=99% Dirt Road=1% Rockstar a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a blur uzzi slx eldridge grade tcr1 composite from San Diego

Posted:04/03/2004

Trail UpdateSJT-Todd, if you rode from the parking lot at the bottom to the 'Old San Juan Trail' sign, also known as Cocktail Rock, you rode 6.4 miles up. If you would have continued on the trail to the right and in back of the rock to Camp Bluejay where water is located, it's 5.1 miles more. About half of it is shaded, its still uphill but not as tough as the first 4.0 miles you did from the parking lot.

Ride rating: AdvancedMBA a Cross-Country Rider riding a Stumpy

Posted:03/31/2004

Trail UpdateSJT-If you hit the Old San Juan intersection then you were about 2.3 miles (roughly) from water at Bluejay camp. Granted, it is 2.3 miles of climbing but most of it is shaded. Well, almost.

Or, if you were really prepared you could have hung a right and blasted down to Chiquita falls and filtered.

Does Trabuco hit SJT? Heck no. It actually puts you a LONG way from San Juan in Trabuco Canyon (hence the name). From Main Divide you'd have to go to Bluejay camp to connect with upper San Juan.

Get a good map, sounds like you may need it.GC

Posted:03/30/2004

Trail UpdateSan Juan-Hi, I rode this on monday from the parking area at bottom to the sign that says Old San Juan maybe 4 miles had to go back then I ran out of water.Does anyone know if there is water back there somewhere and if there is another way to access that area from the east,I live in temecula ,maybe from main divide.I seen a trail called Trabuco last week when I was exploring in my truck up there does that connect,if so how many miles is it to San juan from Trabuco[if it connects].E-mail me plz.Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: miles4 Elevation change: 1500Singletrack=100% todd a 40 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Mongoose Pro from Murrieta

Posted:03/30/2004

Trail UpdateHappily Confused-man, I'm not getting all the XC v. DH posts. I shuttle, I'm polite, others climb, they've all been polite. I've yet to have a bad experience on this trail, but for some reason the DH/XC topic seems to dominate this forum. i don't know when the fundamentalists are riding - maybe i'm lucky and always missing them. bottom line dudes, we all know this is a rocking trail and pretty much seems reserved for us bikers.Ride rating: AdvancedRek a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a dawg from Del Mar

Posted:03/22/2004

Trail UpdateThursday-Took a spin up (& back down -duh) San Juan. Climbing from the car around 2p, there was one other car (pick-up truck) in the lot, but I saw not one person my entire ride. Climbing those switchbacks is great fun and they are all in real good shape. The very start of the trail has devoloped a deep U shaped rut that makes climbing the first part more difficult than usual. Heading left at the first connection at Lunch rock (head uphill on Old SJ) and you'll find some of the fastest more technical single track on San Juan, almost ate it a couple times. Went up to the connection of new San Juan and headed right to complete the "lollipop" route. Conditions are great, there are a few more rutted and sloppy sections since the rains, but nothing too difficult. A great peaceful day! Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: dunno computer is broke Elevation change: yesSingletrack=100% Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant NRS from Long Beach

Posted:03/19/2004

Trail UpdateReverse Shuttle-Did San Juan as reverse shuttle. I recommend it. It's a great climb and you don't have to do the lame downhill. Drop a car at the top and drive down. start climbing and keep on truckin! I did it on my new Santa Cruz VPFREE. Oh yeah. Downhilling on San Juan is for kooks!Ride rating: Beginnerjason roach a 31 year old riding a Santa Cruz VPFREE from San Juan Cap

Posted:03/04/2004

Trail UpdateRodney King Update-Rode SJ on Sunday - brilliant day, great ride! At the trailhead at 6am... trail was in perfect shape (a few damp spots, but not too bad).

As for people - every single person was as pleasant as possible. Saw a few DH guys at Blue Jay - no fights, no stabbings, nothing. Ran into a few more on the way downhill (while Uncle Stu fixed a pinch flat). They were just gosh darn nice folks when they rode by us.

The rumours that DH and XC can't get along are just not true (unless it was just a Sunday thing and the weather was just too nice to be rude).

Oh... except for this one solo lady climbing the early switchbacks. She gave us both a look like we were Martians or evil members of the old Manson family. What's up with that? Maybe we should start posting about the amount of anger solo women riders harbor towards everyone?Ride rating: AdvancedFang Grebelski a 37 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Trek 2001 Fuel 90 (nice and black) from Newport Beach, CA

Posted:03/01/2004

Trail UpdateTuesday-Same loop as last post... the trail is in awsome shape, all the switches are climbable (is that a word?). Got an early start and did not see anyone untill the return trip. 2 BigHit bikes were just getting started as I rode past the upper parking area (never saw them again) and a solo rider was getting started as I hit the bottom parking area. As usual everyone was cool and even chatted with the XC guy for a few minuets (was kind of waiting to see if the DH guys were anywhere near me... but after about 15mins gave up and left) -Adventure pass "reminder" was on my car when I returned. Go out and ride! Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 25miles Elevation change: lotsSingletrack=80% Dirt Road=15% Paved Path=5% Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant NRS from Long Beach

Posted:02/19/2004

Trail UpdateMonday-I was there this monday also... my loop takes my from the lower parking area, up the trail on the left at lunch rock (cocktail rock -whatever), keep climbing to a quick charge down that somewhat more technical (fast) steep along the Old San Juan. Keep riding on very easy terrain, through this beautiful canyon untill re-connecting with the (New) San Juan and going left (keep going straight if you really like hike-a-bike :) keep climbing through an awsome woods untill reconnecting with the Old San Juan and going left uphill (some pushing may be required but not for long). Head out off the top of San Juan trail go left and downhill on a paved road, looking left at a parking area, there is the Falcon Trail. Cruise along this nice tiny ST. It ends at a group camp area, follow the paved road uphill now (maybe time for a sandwich?) to the Main Divide. Turn left and head up hill on Main Divide, then climb the steep dirt road for what seems like forever (3 miles?) to the connection at the Trabuco and Los Pinos trails. If you have the strenght (and a buddy I'd suggest) head down the Los Pinos for a seriuosly tough ride -well not down right away, first there is a 1.5mi hike a bike. I headed back down the way I came and over to the Main trailhead to enjoy a cruise back down one of the the best singletrack trails in SoCal (top 5 at least). Oh yea, almost forgot about the guys who were out there... I crossed paths with 2 groups of 2 and another solo rider, everyone was polite and allowed for the uphill rider (me). Thought it might be nice to point out that each person has a personal choice, I have met the dorky DH shuttlers that (try) to push you off the trail. But in the most part mtnbikers are cool people. I used to shuttle, but once I had the skill and strenght to ride the whole trail, I now enjoy the trail more. Maybe the shuttlers are just learning, after riding the San Juan (and Los Pinos) first time shuttled, made me more of a mtnbiker. Maybe it will work the same way for these other riders (maybe not, but at least they could experience a bit of what Socal mtbiking is about. There are other trails in this area that are not shuttle acessible, and they may never get to experience these areas. Those are for us who learn to enjoy the work and the phsyical high while climbing up through the clouds on your bike. Its a matter of love for the sport or an infatuation, but niether is wrong. Sometimes an infatuation becomes love. My point is everyone can get along as long as there is positive energy being applied, there is not room for the people who hate, you are the cause and solution too all of your problems with the shuttlers.Ride rating: NoviceRide distance: dunno computer is broke Elevation change: lotsSingletrack=80% Dirt Road=10% Paved Path=10% Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant NRS from Long Beach

Posted:02/11/2004

Trail UpdateExcellent Ride-Myself and a buddy did this trail on Monday. Our 2nd time doing it. Shuttled to the top. Trail was in excellent condition. I ate it going a little to fast on one of the switchbacks in the middle where its kinda loose sandy gravel.. Other than that, flawless runSaw nobody else till we reached the bottom.Pefect weather.. San juan is such an awesome trail... Thanks guys for the trailwork. Looks great. :)Ride rating: AdvancedSingletrack=100% Paul a 23 year old Downhiller riding a K2 Disco Monkey from San Diego, CA

Posted:02/04/2004

Trail UpdateThanx Guys,-for the trail work.Rode here Saturday for the first time on my singlespeed and was able to do about 90-95% of it.A lot more then I thought I'd be able to do.Your work up there was obvious.Wish I could have been there for that one but I was helping SHARE at LCWP and the ticks there were starving so I also volunteered to feed the little bloodsuckers.( I didn't really, but regardless they got fed ).It seems to me that there are some other places that need some attention.I'll gladly be there for the next one.The trail is in fine shape overall and they braced up a few of the places where the trail had eroded into about nothing on a couple of those tight turns.

I'll tell you one thing though, your upper body will get just as much workout as your lower body does climbing this on a singlespeed.I can't wait to try it again.Pain Freak from The 909

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-It's not the type of bikes that are the problem, rather the individuals riding them. Some like big SUV's and others like sports cars. Same difference, it's the driver not the vehicle. Just give the uphill rider the right of way and keep riding.Big Guy on a little bike a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Kona SS from The OC

Posted:01/27/2004

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-What I think is funny is that when the hikers kick us out of the public trails, we will all be whining like little babies. First off I can ride my big ass up SJT, I have done it many times and on my 38lb bike with the shock set at 6" of rear travel in my middle ring w/11-32cassette. The climb is worth it, if just only to see the looks on the faces of those XC wanabees as I say “On your left!” as I pass them uphill. I'm sure that their are many elite xc types that will hammer my ass on a climb, but I have shut down many an wanabee riding ultra-lite hardtails and light fs bikes. What pisses me off is that after I have climbed and I'm on my way down, some fellow rider(pc) coming up yells shuttler to his buddy as I am coming down. Everyone in my group takes care to give the right away to hikers and uphill riders as we descend. We do occasionally startle people, but I would pitch my self off of the trail before I would charge someone else off of the trail. If you see that someone is coming down and you are in a section where there is safe room to pass each other while remaining on your bikes, then get the hell over. I saved some muscle bound jerk from getting beat down by the crew because he pushed one of the riders in our group off of his bike as he passed him coming down. I cannot stand the holy higher than thou types that look at my rig at the rock with loathsome anger because I have 8" rotors and a long travel fork. It amazes me that some think that if a bike weighs over 30lbs, you can't pedal it up. Some idiot below made some kind of chauvinist reference to a women's menstruation cycle as an analogy to the weakness that he feels one has if they shuttle. I think that was stupid as their are women that ride and we all have mothers and he should keep that kind of crap off a forum that is open to all. But, since he brought it up I’d say that most of you xc wanabees would lose your ball sacks trying to pedal any of the bikes in our group to the top of your driveway let alone up singletrack. I will never forget the look on the faces of some crap talking single speed riders when my riding buddy pedaled his Foes DH Mono w/Monster T, and 34 single ring up the ruts from the rock without putting a foot down. We all love to ride and I agree that some people that shuttle are a-holes but here is a newsflash; so are some of the people that ride up. I’m never going to get all excited about a new bike coming out that weighs 20lbs and has suspension that never moves but I can appreciate that someone out there would. Lets try and keep our problems with each other person specific instead of grouping and dehumanizing people because we feel that they belong in a certain category. Racism, Classism , what ....ism is this? I don't even like to ride SJT much anymore because of all this crap, but I will to make a point.

Big guy ride big bike up big hills! a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a My Bike from CA

Posted:01/27/2004

Trail UpdateRAIN OR SHINE-SJT Trail Maintenance:January 24, '04 @ 0800Come out and show the single track some love! Help maintain this world famous trail!Bring your bike or boots, work gloves, tools if you got'em (if not' we'll have some for ya) and a lawn chair, 'cause we'll feed you after the work.And we work RAIN OR SHINE so dress appropriately!Hope to see you out there...CanyunTrash a 46 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Two Wheeled Wonder from Silverado

Posted:01/04/2004

Trail UpdateRainy Day Not-Aaah Stevo, a word of advice:Disc brakes or not, you shouldn't ride OC trails on rainy days.Give 'em a couple of days to dry out!

Posted:12/31/2003

Trail UpdateRainy Day And No Disk Brakes Not-one word of advise do not ride this trail on a rainy day if u dont have disk brakes or you miswell just walk the whole wayRide rating: AdvancedSingletrack=65% stevo a 14 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a haro x-1 backtrail nyquist and a GIANT ds3 from san juan capistrano URL: villagepunks

Posted:12/31/2003

Trail UpdateRename It-Man, they ought to rename this trail to something like the "polite trail" or "Friendly trail" or something like that.A few of us got a late start this morning to do my OC favorite.Knowing that we were running a little late I figured we'd be running into a bunch of people coming down and even though the uphiller may have the right of way, I don't want to screw up anybodys descent.The trail was busy,but I could not believe how perfect people were.Almost every single rider pulled over except one guy and he apoligized none the less.He hollered back he really wanted to make that section without a dab, and I know how he feels.At least 12 other riders pulled over for me as I was climbing and I admit to feeling a little guilty for being in their way.The ride up was really good as the trail is in fairly good shape.I'm definetly volunteering for trail maintenance this year again on this beautiful trail.Conditions are not bad at all considering the amount of use this trail gets.Some people have put some sand bags in the section the DHers have cut through and this seems to have helped.Chiquita is really nice with the poison oak temporarily out of the trail so this makes the going real fast and fun.And the downhill is one of the best.Temps were perfect and all I can say about this trail is, I love it! Pain Freak from The 909

Posted:12/22/2003

Trail UpdateSJT-Haven't done this ride in about a year or so. It's always nice to think that you'll ride the trail better when you haven't done it in a while but naturally, it doesn't always work that way. It seems I tired out quicker this time. Oh well, so I'm a WORSE rider now. That's how it goes sometimes. Anyway, there's at least one or two of those dang switchbacks that get me either on the way up or down. There's the rocky, steep one at about the halfway point where the only do-able line as far as I can tell is to hug the far right edge. Descending this one is a different story but I haven't figured out how to climb it yet. You've really got to lean forward and hammer in the granny and have perfect command of the front end or else you can fuhgeddaboutit. I forgot about it. The true bottom line about this trail though is that while it's fun as all hell, it's an excellent bike handling skills builder too. Especially the part that loops around and reconnects with "lunch rocks." There's plenty of twisty, rocky, rutted climbs where your line choices have got to be right on the money. As long as it's a weekday (and you're with a riding partner), stopping and practicing these sections can be very beneficial. As we all know, just because you cleaned it once doesn't mean you'll clean it from now on. Although I was exhausted by the time I got back to the rocks, I was re-invigorated, adrenalized, energized for the 6 mile descent back to the car. Then when I sat in the car in rush hour traffic I was back to being exhausted again. Can't go wrong with this trail... Ride distance: miles 19-20 Elevation change: Eck see a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast

Posted:12/05/2003

Trail UpdateOPEN!!!-Forget my last post. I just got off the phone with the Trabuco District Ranger and the closure was in fact lifted. The other recording was mainly for other areas of the CNF.

Posted:11/10/2003

Trail UpdateClosed-I just checked the number on the last guys post and the recording says all forrest locations are closed as of Nov 9th and will be re-evaluated in a few weeks.

Sailor a 41 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Six year old but still works great GT LTS from San Diego

Posted:11/09/2003

Trail UpdateSJT-A friend spoke to the Trabuco District Ranger today and the closure was lifted today. I double checked with the supervisor's office at (858) 673-6180and the recording states that the closure is lifted.

Great news, see you on the trail!Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: miles 22 Elevation change: Singletrack=99% pelkins a 37 year old Racer riding a many from Aliso Viejo

Posted:11/07/2003

Trail UpdateCleveland Not Angeles-The news in the previous link says that the Angeles National Forest will reopen Friday but the San Juan Trail is in the Cleveland National Forest!Spiderman a 45 year old Weekend Warrior riding a FSR xc Comp from Trabuco Canyon

Posted:11/06/2003

Trail UpdateReopened On Friday!-I just checked the USDA forest service web site and read that the closure will be lifted this Friday. Here's the link: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/news/2003/news-2003-11-06-angeles-forest-reopens.shtmlRide rating: IntermediateBuddha a 27 year old Weekend Warrior riding a 03 Specialized Enduro Pro from Whittier, CA

Posted:11/06/2003

Trail UpdateSJT-I spoke with a ranger from the Trabuco District who said SJT and the entire CNF will be closed through this Sunday. They will reevaluate the closure on Monday 11/10.Spiderman a 45 year old Weekend Warrior riding a FSR xc Comp from Trabuco Canyon

Posted:11/06/2003

Trail UpdateClosure-I sp/w a ranger for the descanso district and he told me the CNF would be open again this weekendBobrsta a 49 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized from Aliso viejo

Posted:11/05/2003

Trail UpdateDoh!-was there yesterday, and my dumb ass did not check the USFS site... it of course is closed... untill further notice the USFS has closed all the trails in the Clevland, San Gabreil, and San Bernardino... once the crews get back to normal levels things should be OK. Lets all hope things go well and maybe we can be riding in a week or two? I guess its all about the parks untill then (wait 48hrs after rains!)Ride rating: ExpertRide distance: 0 Elevation change: turned around at the trailheadMtnbikerman a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant MCM Team from Long Beach

Posted:11/05/2003

Trail UpdateLA Times-FYI. There was an article in the "OUTDOOR" section of today's LA Times for those of you who are interested. Expect the number of riders to increase this weekend.Hank a 44 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a GT Zaskar Tean

Posted:09/23/2003

Trail UpdateSan Juan On A Beach Cruiser..-I thought i'de seen it all till i saw a maniac with no helmet descending San Juan Trail on a Beach Cruiser with coaster brakes today.No helmet, no tools, no water. He might have even had flip flops on, i was in shock when he passed me while i was waiting for buddies to catch up.

Trail UpdateSan Juan To Falcon Up And Back-Got a bit of a late start... headed out at about 1pm! Just about the hottest time to pedal up those endless switchbacks, but I had extra water, and there was a nice little breeze. Once up at cocktail I deciced to attack that Magna with my "cool tool" and got most of that thing apart (cranks, pedals, and BB, are all that are still on the frame). Got some of the pieces into the trash up at BlueJay... after I dumped those pieces into the trash, started the return trip via New SanJuan, only a few spots remain overgrown. The trail was in good shape overall, and did not see any other people as they probably had the good sense to stay away during the heat of the day (unlike me!), a gallon of Gatorade later, and everything was fine... little headache, but nothing too severe. Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 25miles Elevation change: 2000?Singletrack=95% Paved Path=2% Truck Trail=3% Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Giant XTC NRS from Long Beach

Posted:08/24/2003

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-On Wednesday I went up and continued the trail work on the upper half of the San Juan Trail. Spent a few hours trimming back a lot of brush and low branches.It was pretty hot and buggy!, but I got a lot done. I have gotten just a stone's throw away from Viejo Tie trail. I do have to go back and work a few small areas, I skipped a little in order to hit a few badly overgrown areas. If anyone wants to help out, the section between Viejo Tie and the stream crossing( just before you start the climb to Cocktail Rock) could use a lot of work. Any help would be appreciated as I have been doing all this alone mainly due to the times at which I'm available to work on it.

Jeff T a 33 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Blur from CA

Posted:08/20/2003

Trail UpdateWhat A Great Day To Ride-Woke up, super early to be at the trailhead at 5:30. Since it is hot, I figured I would beat the heat and take a nice stroll and watch the sun come up.

The sun was rising, and the moon was still out, it was around 60 degrees F, and I was alllll alone out there.

The trail is good shape. The ruts in certain sections will prove challenging if you are not riding well. It just makes for a day full of creative line choices. Back and forth accross the trail while going down, so much fun.

The magna, is in shambles. The frame, cranks, handlebars, taco'd rim, is about all that is left of it.

Finished the ride around 8:45, and it was hot. I would advise an early start. Lagwagon a 28 year old riding a Bullit & Enduro from Aliso Viejo

Posted:08/14/2003

Trail UpdateTrail Maintenance-Great job Jeff, your work is much appreciated.Spiderman a 44 year old Weekend Warrior riding a FSR xc Comp from Trabuco Canyon

Posted:08/11/2003

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-Recently did some much needed work on San Juan this past wednesday! I trimmed back everything in the way on the trail from just below the top, about a half mile or so in as you ride into the tree coverage, to just before the Viejo Tie trail turn-off. As soon as I can, I will continue on until I reach Cocktail Rock!I only needed two tools, a small handsaw, and some lopers. It took less than 4 hours. I'll keep you posted on the rest of the work. Might be finished this week!Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 11.5 miles Elevation change: Singletrack=100% Jeff TIce a 33 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Blur from Mission Viejo

Posted:08/11/2003

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-We got off to a late start, made it up to Blue Jay and back to Cocktail Rock. 7:30pm and watching the sunset. One pissed off rattler, Couple of billion gnats, one Magna that needs to find its way down and into the garbage and one new rider that had the time of his life. It was a good day.By the way the trail is in good shape, a few areas could use a trimming. Ride distance: miles Elevation change: Singletrack=100% Longboard1998 a 42 year old riding a Ellsworth Id, 4 Banger from Yorba Linda

Posted:08/09/2003

Trail UpdateSan Juan To Falcon Up And Back-Great day! 6am start time to aviod the heat on the climbs... the lower area has been recently cleared, but up past cocktail rock was horrible with billions (no sh!t billions) of gnats and mosquitos. Falcon is also in great shape... does anyone know how the MAGNA go up on to the big rock at cocktail? More importantly how are we going to dispose of it? Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 21miles Elevation change: ???Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant MCM Team from Long Beach

Posted:07/22/2003

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-Recently rode it this sunday 7-20-03.The trail itself is in good condition, a few washouts have gotten worse though, so be aware of the erosion. Mainly be aware of the overgrowth. My arms look like they have been dragged over barbed wire!San Juan seriously needs some trimming on the upper section. The worst part is between the Chiquita trail turnoff and the stream crossing before you start the climb to Cocktail Rock.There was some maintenance done to the trail, good job guys!, but its mainly the lower section just above the switchbacks.I'll see if I can get out there myself to do a little maintenance very soon.

Trail UpdateSan Juan-Chiquito Loop-This Memorial Day decided to pay homage to the Patron Saint of South OC MTB, San Juan. Hooked up with Whistler, and as usual, he had an evil plan devised for the day. We would go up San Juan, head over to the Chiquito trail, take Chiquito to Ortega Highway, and then down the highway back to the car. This turned out to be an excellent plan.

Cool weather greeted us in the morning, along with a large crowd of MTB’ers at the trailhead. Took off, and headed up. Anyone that can claim low single digit dabs on the switchbacks has my respect, as there are some tight ones. There is an amazing amount of flora sprouting along this section of the trail right now, which made for a very scenic climb. Any hopes for cool weather was short lived, as the sun was now out, and it was getting warm. You are pretty exposed after you get past the switchbacks. Got up to the split, and headed left. After an initial climb, there is a fast, fun downhill section, with a few rutted sections. You pop out into a cool, meadow like area, and then wind over to hook-up with the Chiquito trail

The Chiquito trail has a wide variety of personalities. It starts out as a lush forest trail, with lots of shade cover. At points there was so much grass covering the trail you could not see the ground. You wind along a creek, crossing it once or twice, eventually coming to a waterfall. After this, the trail goes up, steep and rocky, requiring a bit of hike and bike. I would describe this section as rocky, with more rocks thrown in for good measure. Also, it was quite brushy. I would recommend having a long sleeve jersey for this section and also full finger gloves. After eventually reaching a high point, you head down. This is one fun downhill! Drop-offs, stair-steps, roots, rocks, narrow passageways, if you have ADD, this is the trail for you! It is technical, but not scary technical. We did see some hikers, but no other bikers in this leg of the journey. Eventually we came out at San Juan Hot Springs campground, and had a cool down at the water pump.

After that, time to test fate: a high speed bomb blast down Ortega Highway. Hug the white line and pedal like crazy. I think it took about 15 to 20 minutes back to the San Juan trailhead from San Juan Hot Springs. A fun way to complete the loop.

If you are looking for a loop trip in the San Juan area, this is a good one. Next time, Los Pinos?? Trip time was five hours, including several breaks.

Ride rating: AdvancedKujoWabo a 40 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Stumpjumper FSRxc from Laguna Niguel

Posted:05/27/2003

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-This is one tough nineteen-mile trail. It's about 14 miles up and back and the loop is about 5 miles. My thanks to my partners, Dashielle & Carros, for putting up with my complaining.

I consider myself to be an excellent climber aerobically, but intermediate in the technical area. This is a very technical ride up and back with very sharp turns in the switchbacks. There is a lot of traffic going both ways, too. The conditions were okay, some minor washouts but only one or two wet portions on the loop. Definitely wear knee and elbow protection if you're an intermediate rider. The views are absolutely breathtaking. There are some gorgeous vistas of the ocean and surrounding area to take in. Just make sure you dismount before looking.

My profound thanks to the gentlemen who offered me half of his energy bar. I was spent and he saved the day. Thanks!Hammer a 40 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Specialized FSR Enduro from Redondo Beach

Posted:04/07/2003

Trail UpdateSaturday On San Juan-Met up with RoosterLegz and MiniMe off the 5, loaded up my truck and headed towards San Juan. This was the first time riding this trail of MiniMe and myself, RoosterLegz had been here before. It was a bit breezy outside, which didn't seem to hinder us at all, it kept the temperatures cool and we welcomed the occasional strong gust of wind. We started at the bottom, climbed our way up to the Blue Jay camp area. Had to hike a couple of the rutted climbs, but other than that, the ride up was great. Once at the top, before you hit the "meadow" area, there is that downhill section full of roots, rocks and ruts, WHAT A BLAST!!!. We encountered quite a few of riders coming down on our way up, everyone was cool and pulled over for us, or we pulled over for them, depending on the trails width of where we were at. Made it up to the camp area, laid down on one of the picnic benches for a few minutes, felt really good to relax. Filled up our camelbaks and we were back on our way. The way down was amazing, my feet were getting tired from being on them so long in the spd's. No crashes on the way down, actually, MiniMe tested out the dirt a few times, but I managed to stay upright. I almost ran over a snake, it scared me at first, it was stretched out all the way across the trail, to my delight, it was only a garter snake (i think), it definately wasnt a rattler.

Anyways, killer ride with killer views and killer people.

The way down was Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 20 Elevation change: kinda alotSingletrack=99.978% bDEE a Weekend Warrior riding a jamisDAKAR from long beach, CA

Posted:04/02/2003

Trail UpdateI just have to say, this last Sunday, 3-30-03, was about the nicest I've spent on the SJT. Pretty crowded, the usual suspects, but EVERYONE WAS REALLY POLITE. This is just so cool. Weather was great, people were great, ride was great (even with the ruts, just made it that much more fun..) Compared to how it was just a short time ago with shuttlers vs. climbers, all that crap, maybe Rodney King was right...:) Thanks.Ride rating: IntermediateSingletrack=100% Frank a 52 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Uzzi SL from O.C.

Posted:03/31/2003

Trail UpdateOver The Hill?-This ride started different in the fact that meant to clean as much of the hill climb as possible. After being enlightend to the technical hill climbing aspect. I have a new mantra "Be more like Ned Overend". After dabbing in the first 30ft,being distracted by a huge guoging skid, I went on to make all but three of the switchbacks. One being one of the last rocky left turns. Due to motavation to be better or steady pacing I made the lunch rock in record time.Where as I was blessed by the forest Nymphs whom had snacks with me for as long as I could sit still. [def;Nymphs= Gnat Catchers= beatiful shy birds with delightful songs. also rarly seen] Haveing plenty of daylight and perfect temps 68, off I go onto Old San Jaun TR, now marked well with a post. Yes I did dismount on this and a couple of others ups here but theres always next time. Now a fallen tree 100ft before linking with San Jaun TR. This is also marked with a new short pole. Now felling energized with the prospect of some fun down hill I haul-ass in the big-ring right up to oh-yeah a switchback or 2. I clean those luckily and gather my senses to go back to a clean everything pace. Feeling good and anticipating every up section with pre-shifts. A couple more dabs but I ride more than I ever have. One last water-crossing to lunch rock and a hard left and 2 rocky sections 1 with a step I know its coming everytime and I don't make this time either. A short break at Lunch Rock and down I go. Bummed no Nymph's this time, they are a rare site. The ride down I went back to my old mantra"Be like Ritchy Schely" . Hauling balls, railing turns, floating like a butterfly and sticking like a snail. Only one dab on the way down. Overall this was one of best rides ever here. I now look at this ride as one big endurence and skill challenge as well as beautiful outdoors. A little more pratice here and I'll clean up to Procipine Ridge this year.Ride rating: ExpertRide distance: 18ish miles Elevation change: 2000+Singletrack=100% Softcoconut a 34 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Super Light from SJC

Posted:01/22/2003

Trail UpdateOver The Hill?-This ride started different in the fact that meant to clean as much of the hill climb as possible. After being enlightend to the technical hill climbing aspect. I have a new mantra "Be more like Ned Overend". After dabbing in the first 30ft,being distracted by a huge guoging skid, I went on to make all but three of the switchbacks. One being one of the last rocky left turns. Due to motavation to be better or steady pacing I made the lunch rock in record time.Where as I was blessed by the forest Nymphs whom had snacks with me for as long as I could sit still. [def;Nymphs= Gnat Catchers= beatiful shy birds with delightful songs. also rarly seen] Haveing plenty of daylight and perfect temps 68, off I go onto Old San Jaun TR, now marked well with a post. Yes I did dismount on this and a couple of others ups here but theres always next time. Now a fallen tree 100ft before linking with San Jaun TR. This is also marked with a new short pole. Now felling energized with the prospect of some fun down hill I haul-ass in the big-ring right up to oh-yeah a switchback or 2. I clean those luckily and gather my senses to go back to a clean everything pace. Feeling good and anticipating every up section with pre-shifts. A couple more dabs but I ride more than I ever have. One last water-crossing to lunch rock and a hard left and 2 rocky sections 1 with a step I know its coming everytime and I don't make this time either. A short break at Lunch Rock and down I go. Bummed no Nymph's this time, they are a rare site. The ride down I went back to my old mantra"Be like Ritchy Schely" . Hauling balls, railing turns, floating like a butterfly and sticking like a snail. Only one dab on the way down. Overall this was one of best rides ever here. I now look at this ride as one big endurence and skill challenge as well as beautiful outdoors. A little more pratice here and I'll clean up to Procipine Ridge this year.Ride rating: ExpertRide distance: 18ish miles Elevation change: 2000+Singletrack=100% Softcoconut a 34 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Super Light from SJC

Posted:01/22/2003

Trail UpdateLast Ride Of The Year!-A buddy and me rode this trail for the first time as our last ride of the year on 12/31. Started early at 8:30 and suprisingly few cars in the parking lot.

Trail was in perfect condition. Made it up to Cocktail rock and stopped to refuel and recharge. Awesome on the way back down. Had to dab a few switchbacks, but other than that coming back down is one big thrill.

Can't wait to do this ride again. Trail is a bit rutted down the middle with braking bumps, but otherwise is perfect. I'm glad I finally came out and rode this one. Happy New Year!Ride rating: IntermediateSingletrack=100% HT-Rider a 30 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Specialized M4 HT from Oceanside

Posted:01/01/2003

Trail UpdateSAN JUAN TRAIL FIRST TIMER!!!...-....But I'll be back, This trail kicked my butt.We started at 8:30am (Friday) and got to "Cocktail Rock" at 11:00(I heard it was called "Lunch Rock") we would have gotten there sooner but I was the "Anchor" of the ride. I'm still TRYING to get back in shape but for some reason my 41 yr old body doesn't want to cooperate like it did 10-12 years ago.The trail was in pretty good shape with plenty of good traction and the weather was great (about 75 or so).I can't wait to go back when I've got a stronger heart and a new pair of legs (and lungs too).HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE and HAPPY TRAILS TOO!!!Ride rating: AdvancedSingletrack=100% Roger a 41 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Blur - XTR/XT from Yorba Linda, CA.

Posted:12/28/2002

Trail UpdateToday-We met a couple of people at cocktail rock today (the three in the volvo wagon) and had a discussion about people chewing up the trail due to poor braking practices. Hi, good chat, and I promise that I will 'earn' the ride back down one of these weekends however, I will not be bringing the bike that I had today :)

The trail is nice, dry, a little slippery on the sandstone in some places but overall, it is in very good condition. The ruts are not bad and we made it a point to stay out of them. It looks like the ruts are from people going down the middle and dragging a handfull of back brake. There are much much smoother lines on either side of the rut in all cases.

I think the 'challenge' of this trail would be to climb it because it is not hard to ride other than staring down a cliff on one side in many places. I think next time that I ride this trail, I'll clad myself in lycra, get on my hardtail, and start from the bottom.

We stopped for everyone riding uphill and made plenty of room for them. It does not take much effort to show others some courtesy, especially when you are on a downward grade and the other guy is pushing like hell to climb up. All the people that we encountered were really nice and I think they appreciated our efforts to yield to them. Even if they did not appreciate the courtesy that we showed to them, we still did the right thing.

All three of our vehicles proudly displayed adventure passes....whether the USFS is right or wrong with this program, I made sure that our vehicles were badged properly. Considering that you can buy a yearly pass for $ 30 and $ 5 for the second vehicle, hell, even if it is legalized extortion, I'm not gonna complain. Riding San Juan only twice a year would be worth the $ 35.....to me at least.

Ride rating: NoviceJR a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a a trek 9900, a gemini, and an M1

Posted:12/15/2002

Trail UpdateWet And Loomy-thanks for remaining nameless. I'm just stating the facts.I also support 5 motorcycle green stickers,$20 every 2 years. Which is money alocated to the trail system.not a parking pass like you would get at the mall valetparking. I also donate time to legal ventures to keep out trails.So next time reply with some insight to whom your talking to.see you at San Juan.

Posted:11/15/2002

Trail UpdateGet A Clue And Pay The Fee-I've ridden San Juan a few times and from my observation of the type of vehicles in the parking lot($40K SUV's), as well as the bikes, nobody should have a problem spending the $5 for a day pass or the $25 for an annual pass. Put some money back into the trails and facilities. And don't give me that crap about how your taxes have paid for your right to the trails and that the forest service just squanders the money. My guess is the same people who try to get out of paying the fee also have never done an hour's worth of trail maintenance either. Just get the pass and quit spending your time trying to figure out how to get around it.

Posted:11/14/2002

Trail UpdateAdventure Pass Correction-FYI- the adventure pass is a test program.every time you pay $5.00 you are in fact putting a "yes" vote in a USFS budget column that states, the public is willing to pay for what exist naturaly.You can get all the so called "tickets" you want, but they can not collect on the fees of a test program.

Do not send in your ticket with money, also know as a vote "yes".email included for questions.Ride rating: Intermediatea 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast

Posted:11/14/2002

Trail UpdateUp San Juan To Trabuco Up&Back-I rode up San Juan, Falcon and over to Main Divide, then up that STEEP ASS GRADE (it kills me every time) to the Trabuco trail head. These trails are in awsome shape. Thought about doing Los Pinos, but I really wanted to go back down San Juan. Very glad I turned back down to San Juan, the trail has not been this firm all year! Really brings the technical factor up because you carry so much more speed. Careful for a few little rock slides. The weather was perfect and the skys were clear. Oh yea, the rangers were enforcing the adventure pass, every car in the parking area had a ticket when I showed up at 11am. Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 25? Counter got messed up Elevation change: The steepest part comes after climbing the 11mile San Juan trailSingletrack=80% Truck Trail=20% Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant NRS from Long Beach

Posted:11/14/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan To Falcon Up And Back-Just a little ride up and back plus a little more if you go left (and up) at the last connection with the Old San Juan (on the way up), you go through a more firebreak-ish short up and down and it drops you in the middle of the blue jay camp. For some extra miles and a nice view of the upper part of San Juan Creek, go left and down for a mile or so untill you see the Falcon trail head by a camp parking spot. Hit this mostly flat but nice little trail. Makes a good connector if going up to main divide. Turn around or follow the paved road back to the San Juan Tr.Head down to the car. Trail is in excellent shape, the temps were perfect. Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 25 miles Elevation change: ???Singletrack=95% Dirt Road=2% Paved Path=3% Mtnbikerman a 27 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant NRS from Long Beach

Posted:10/03/2002

Trail UpdateLos Pinos...-Turtleman, the LPT is about 2.5 miles up the Main Divide (3S04) from Blue Jay Camp, which is at the top of the SJT. You climb up the Main Divide until you reach the gate next to the top of the Trabuco Trail. From the gate, look up and left and you will be looking at Los Pinos Peak. That semi groomed dirt trail/firebreak you see that goes almost straight up is the start of the Infamous Los Pinos Trail. Bring lot's of water, food, and most importantly, a friend. It can be a long walk out if something happens on this trail. I also would recommend you wait until the temperature cools if you decide to ride the SJT-LPT as a loop. Lastly, bring your peak fitness and something to cover your arms and legs, the trail is severely overgrown in some sections. Have fun!! Tony a 36 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense Tracer from Temecula

Posted:08/28/2002

Trail UpdateLos Pinos?-Hey G. You are my kind of rider. But can you tell me (or anyone else)where the los Pinos trail is? I would like to try it next time I am down in San Juan. ThanksTurtleman a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast

Posted:08/27/2002

Trail UpdateUp AND Down San Juan Trail-Four of us rode it yesterday (8-20-02). Great trail! Great riding! Great views and scenery! It's gotta be one of the top 5 rides in SoCal. If you like singletrack, you'll love it! If you like rocky sections, you'll be a bit disappointed -- there aren't many. The climb is tuff -- but the ride back makes all the effort worthwhile. Currently, the trail is in very good shape (a few sections are a bit sandy). Stay aware! Be cautious and keep an eye/ear out for other riders...plenty of blind corners. FYI: We DID get a ticket for not displaying an Adventure Pass. Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 22 miles Elevation change: Singletrack=99% Dirt Road=1% Jimm a 47 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a '99 iDrive Team from San Gabriel Valley

Posted:08/21/2002

Trail UpdateUp San Juan, Down Los Pinos-This ride was epic. The ride up San Juan was excellent, since I started a little after 7am it was coolish at the beginning, in the 70s. By the top of San Juan it was in the mid nineties. For the next five hours the thermometer never registered below 100 as I trudged along the Los Pinos trail. Los Pinos is strenous and technical (loose and steep). I spent much of it off the bike. Do not do this ride in the summer heat. 5180ft elevevation gain, 7.5hrs on the trail, 5000 calories burned. 66500 heart beats. I pushed my personal limits, and didn't realize I could work so hard in the heat for so long. For that it was worth it.Ride rating: ExpertRide distance: 25 Elevation change: 5180Singletrack=95% Paved Path=4% Truck Trail=1% G a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Sugar 3+ from The Santa Ana foothills

Posted:08/13/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan Summer Shuttle-Shuttled the trail twice last Fridy morning(7-26-02) with Tom and Ricardo and the trail was great even with the dry conditions. I had big knobs so the slippy conditions were managable and other than that the ride was great. Saw only one uphiller as we were performing roadside repairs to Tom's bike. This trail is great!! This trail is perfect for shuttling and I have no desire to ride up. When I want to suffer I ride up Holy Jim on my hard tail. On this trail I like to focus my energies on the down hill fun. One of these days I want to take four trucks and shuttle it three times (which is probably all I can take). What a rush! Cant' wait to go back!Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 24miles Elevation change: 1500upSingletrack=75% Truck Trail=25% Eric a 40 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 2000FSR S Works built to 4 inches from Laguna Niguel

Posted:07/29/2002

Trail UpdateOOPPS!-That date is supposed to say "7-18-02" not "4-18-02" on the previous post. Anybody see a time warp around here?Hfmadness a 37 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Foes Fly from Downey

Posted:07/20/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail 4-18-02 Am-After shuttling this trail 3 times in the past, my friend and I decided to do it from the bottom and "earn" our descent. It may be an easy climb for some of you, but on my Fly (my friend on a Stinky D) it was WORK! We got to cocktail rock, then went up the trail to the left and followed that till it crossed San Juan Trail again, made a left and went all the way to the campground at Bluejay. We ate some PBJs, strapped on some pads and headed down, staying on San Juan trail the whole way. Only came across a few other riders on the way down, none on the way up. The weather was great...started clear, some fog rolled in, then cleared back up to a hot day. Maybe next time I'll try the climb on my hardtail, but that won't be nearly as much fun on the way down. Oh yeah, I finally remembered to bring my altimeter...parking behind the ranger station is at 760' and the campground at Bluejay is at 3240', so overall elevation gain is 2480'.Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 22 miles Elevation change: 2480'Singletrack=100% Hfmadness a 37 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Foes Fly from Downey

Posted:07/20/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan Shuttle-This was our back up trail for the day, our group of nine came down from LA to do Noble in San Diego only to find that the road was closed to the trailhead because of a fire in the distance...So, it was nice and warm by the time we got on the trail, the whole way was pretty clear with little or no poision oak. Very dry and very slippery, I kept seeing some get offs just after some faster sections.My friend and I managed to get all the new folks through with only a few bruises, which made for some great conversation for the after ride mexican food!! :o)Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 12 miles Elevation change: 1200 ft.Singletrack=100% Robert a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense-slx, shiver fork, Rohloff rear hub from Los Angeles (Eagle Rock)

Posted:07/16/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan-Back after one year. First time I made a mistake of coming here after starting mountain biking for couple months. Went back home weeping and moaning back then. What a difference one year of riding makes. What a great sport this is. Nice quiet wednessday afternoon ride up. The trail is in a great condition all the way up to the loop. Only saw two shuttlers and couple raptors. Have a good ride.Ride rating: AdvancedTurtleman a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Mongoose Fairlane from Anaheim

Posted:06/17/2002

Trail UpdateWhat A Ride!-In some areas of the trail you wouldn't feel like you were in So Cal. "Little Moabs" were everywhere along the mid area of the trail. I can't wait to go back. Remember that this trail is tricky and negotiations around many sections of the trail require concentration or you can end up 1,000 feet below in a matter of seconds (ouch).Ride rating: ExpertRide distance: a good amount Elevation change: an extreme amountSingletrack=100% Just another fool. When the surfs down, I ride. a 33 year old riding a Sugar 3+ from San Diego, CA

Posted:06/09/2002

Trail UpdateTo Cocktail Rock And Back-Rode up to cocktail rock and back down today. I couldn't believe all the downhill shuttlers. Why would anyone shuttle this ride?? The climb isn't all that hard and it makes the down hill run all that much more rewarding. One of the dowhillers was so overweight that he probably couldn't have climbed it anyway. Got back down to the parking lot and there were two more downhillers sucking on cancer sticks. No wonder they were shuttling!! Some people still haven't figured out what mountain biking is all about. For those of us who do know,,,,,RIDE ON!!!!Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: About 13 Miles.... Elevation change: LOTS!!!Singletrack=100% Rick a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a GT LTS from San Diego

Posted:06/02/2002

Trail UpdateThis trail is the epitome of a good, challenging socal XC ride. It is quite marvellous, especially if you follow the loop portion from the saddle with the rocks. It's actually awesome enough as an out and back but the x-tra loop makes it even MORE incredible. (The route is well described in the guidebooks). I may as well add my two cents worth of bitching and moaning as others have done in previous postings. By all means, try to ride here on a weekday! I've witnessed many collisions along the switchbacks. Fortunately with other riders who are USUALLY a bit more understanding than hikers. God forbid I ever hit a hiker...smell the LAWSUIT! Anyway, yes, the weekends can get packed here. Overall though, this ride reminds me of why it's good to be alive...

Ride distance: miles 19 Elevation change: Singletrack=100% Andy a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from Hollywood

Posted:05/31/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan/los Pinos-decided on an ambitious plan. biked up san juan trail to blue jay campground, turned left on main divide and on up to los pinos. took lots of energy to get from blue jay to los pinos. los pinos trail was steep and quite technical-on the ups and downs. many, many hills/ridges required a bike-a-hike (too steep to ride up). trail was narrow and tight, but not overgrown. total ride was 24 miles w/ who knows how much elevation gain and loss. was quite the epic ride. glad we did it, but would not do it again due to amount of effort expended.Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 24 miles Elevation change: LOTSSingletrack=95%

Posted:05/07/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan To The Top, Then A Loop-Rode this on Sunday, April 28 2002. Conditions were so perfect it was unbelievable. After climbing to Cocktail Rock I kept going up to the left, did a big loop, and ended back at Cocktail. Then descended to the car, what a blast!!!Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 22 Elevation change: 5500Singletrack=100% Chase a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Foes FXC from Northampton, MA

Posted:05/01/2002

Trail UpdateWhere Is Everybody?-We rode the SJT on Saturday 4/20 and had the trail to ourselves. Strange since it was a perfect morning. Did a quick out-and-back to Cocktail Rock from the lower parking lot. Passed one hiker on the way back down and only a handful of riders. At 8 AM the lot was 80% empty! The trail was in pretty good shape though it's getting dry and a bit loose in spots. The switchbacks will be needing some attention soon since they're getting pretty well rutted, though they are very rideable.Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 13.6miles to the rock and back Elevation change: 2,250Singletrack=100% RandyP a 47 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Access FS-01 from Irvine CA

Posted:04/22/2002

Trail UpdateWhere Is Everybody?-We rode the SJT on Saturday 4/20 and had the trail to ourselves. Strange since it was a perfect morning. Did a quick out-and-back to Cocktail Rock from the lower parking lot. Passed one hiker on the way back down and only a handful of riders. At 8 AM the lot was 80% empty! The trail was in pretty good shape though it's getting dry and a bit loose in spots. The switchbacks will be needing some attention soon since they're getting pretty well rutted, though they are very rideable.Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 13.6miles to the rock and back Elevation change: 2,250Singletrack=100% RandyP a 47 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Access FS-01 from Irvine CA

Posted:04/22/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-I rode San Juan today from the lower trailhead to Cocktail Rock, clockwise loop through the meadows and forest, then back down to the bottom. Surprisingly since the weather was perfect, there were few others riding San Juan from 9am to 12:30pm. I passed about 15 riders. Usually, it would be closer to 30. Anyway, the trail was in awesome condition - good traction and not too sandy. The air was also quite clear. We could easily see the ocean from Cocktail Rock. Even though I've ridden San Juan countless times, it's always fun.Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 19 miles Elevation change: 2500Singletrack=100% SS a 34 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Chumba Wumba Mamba from OC

Posted:02/23/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-Took advantage of the extra riding day yesterday to introduce a friend to the San Juan Trail. Conditions could not have been better, cool temps, overcast and no wind! We rolled out of Blue Jay and down to the 4 mile marker and only saw two other bikers. We turned around and rode back to the Vieo Tie Trail and then up/down that to the Chiquito Trail, then back to San Juan and Blue Jay. Saw a bunch of DH'ers on their way down, all of which were very cool. All in all it was about 12 miles of ST bliss and one more MTB'r converted from the usual fire road rides!!Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 12miles Elevation change: ??Singletrack=100% Tony a 35 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Intense Tracer from Temecula

Posted:02/19/2002

Trail UpdateLESSONS LEARNED-NOW ALL OF YOU PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE INSIDE TIGHT AND LOOSE SWITCHBACKS BASICALLY BEFORE YOU HEAD DOWN THE FINAL OVERGROWN STRETCH TO THE PARKING LOT.WELL TODAY I HAD MY FIRST EXPERIENCE OF PULLING A GUY OUT OF THE REALLY HAIRY SWITCH(TO UNEXPRIENCED RIDERS WITH A LACK OF BIKE CONTROL IN THOSE SITUATIONS)THIS GUY WAS WADDED UP IN THE DITCH,FACE FULL OF DIRT AND BLOOD COMING OUT HIS NOSE.HIS LIMBS WERE SCRAPED AND HIS HELMET WAS BASHED.THIS GUY COULDNT STAND UP STRAIGHT FOT A GOOD TEN MINUTES AFTER I FOUND HIM.LUCKILY MY FRIEND AND I GOT HIM OUT OF THE DITCH AND I WALKED HIM DOWN TO THE PARKING LOT.I TALKED TO HIM THE WHOLE WAY DOWN TO KEEP HIM ALERT AS BEST I COULD.HE TOLD ME THIS WAS HIS FIRST TIME MOUNTAIN BIKING.THE GUY WAS RIDING A HUFFY RIGID,YOU KNOW FROM TOYS R US.THIS BIKE STILL HAD THE KICK STAND!HIS FRIEND HAD GONE AHEAD WITH OUT LOOKING BACK.

1.THIS TRAIL IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS!DUE TO LENGTH,THE RUGGED TERRAIN AND ACCESSIBILITY.EXPERIENCE IS A MUST!

2.YOUR BIKE AND EQUIPMENT ARE KEY TO A SAFE RIDE.ALONG WITH FOOD AND FLUID.CHEAP BIKES AND EQUIPMENT WILL FAIL IN THESE CONDITIONS.

3.RIDE WITH AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON AND MAINTAIN CONTACT OF SOME SORT THROUGH OUT THE RIDE.

BY THIS TIME IN THE DAY THERE WAS NOT A LOT OF TRAFFIC SO WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN OF THIS GUY.PLEASE BE SAFE OUT THERE!Ride rating: ExpertRide distance: 22 miles Elevation change: Singletrack=100% M.BOMBER a 27 year old Downhiller riding a SC BULLIT

Posted:01/05/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-Rode up San Juan on New Years Eve with Chris. It was foggy and grippy. Only saw a few other riders out there. Moisture seems to help on this trail because it drains well and you have more traction and need to break less on the descent. A good way to close out the year. Especially if you go to Los Gordintas afterwards. Has anyone ever cleaned all the switchbacks? Cheers!Mike Kim a Cross-Country Rider riding a superlight from carlsbad

Posted:01/01/2002

Trail UpdateSan Juan Eve...-Good weather, good friends, and a great trail. what else can you ask for on a Christmas Eve ride. It was great. Crowds were not too bad. Even caught up with a rider that rode last year from out of the area. Of course we rode UP the trail. Real Mountain bikers always do. The view at the top was awesome. Clear to Catalina and San Clemente Islands. Merry Christmas to you all.Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: Elevation change: 2200Singletrack=100% MBM a 43 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Schwinn Homegrown XT from Westminster

Posted:12/25/2001

Trail UpdateWOW!-Rode this trail on 15-Dec with a friend. We have ridden all over San Diego, Big Bear, and Mammoth and found this to be one of the nicer trails around. Excellent conditions all the way up to the Chiquito Trail turn off. Yes, there were some ruts in very limited sections and you could fall off a cliff if you weren't paying attention, but infinitely rideable the whole way. The blind corners are tricky and keep you on your toes. Better than Noble Canyon in San Diego because that gets too abusive at the bottom. Glad we did this in the winter and look forward to returning in the spring when everything greens up. Could be a bit much in the heat of the summer as shade is limited. Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 17 Elevation change: EnoughSingletrack=100% Walt Devine a 44 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Schwinn 4 Banger with Z1-MCR and 6 from Pacific Beach (San Diego)

Posted:12/16/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Saturday!-Team Basso led a great group ride (maybe 15 guys?) up San Juan on Saturday. It was pretty cool and overcast at 7:15 as we began our way up the swtichbacks. Rather than press all the way to Bluejay, we did a nice little 5 mile loop, taking the Old San Juan Trail fork (left at Cocktail) up to join the New San Juan Trail (just a mile or two below Bluejay). This loop features excellent singletrack and a lot of great tree cover.

All in all, little blood was shed and I didn't encounter anyone with a bad attitude despite spending nearly 4 hours and 20 miles on the trail.

Conditions: a little dusty, but great traction. A little rain wouldn't hurt. The brush doesn't reach too far out onto the trail for ya, but I was really glad to be wearing full finger gloves and long sleeves for the downhill. Just remember that when you're out on the SJT, you're a long way from nowhere, so don't take stupid chances out there. Bring plenty of water, food, warm clothes, first aid kit and everything you need to be mechanically self-sufficient. Don't even think about relying on your cell phone, because there is very little service out there. Recognize when you are getting tired, and stop to rest and re-fuel. The trail isn't terribly technical, but there are certainly some nasty sharp rocks and exposed narrow ledges that could really ruin your day if you were too tired to negotiate them with the modicum of requisite skill.

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-A group of us did this trail for the first time on the weekend and it was excellent. The trail is awesome with different vegetation and terrain all the way down from rocks and boulders to rollercoaster hills and drop offs. There are quite a few deep rutted parts from excessive use, but still easily doable. For people like myself who have only ridden 7 or 8 times before, the trail is definitely rideable if you take your time and ride within your limits. The hole trail is obviously all single track but in the first half there are places to stop and catch up to your friends, although the bottom half is less forgiving with steep switchbacks and no place to stop and let the weary muscles rest. We did the shuttle and rode one way down. I wouldn't suggest a first time rider to take this trail - but it is definitely doable by anyone who has a little experience. The more experienced riders on the trail think they own the place - to those riders, just remember - you too were once a beginner/intermediate rider! Have some manners!

Ride rating: Intermediate

Posted:09/10/2001

Trail UpdateShuttling-So If I were to shuttle, where do I park the shuttle car at? I've never ridden this trail yet so I don't know any of the whereabouts...Thanks!

Posted:09/10/2001

Trail UpdateWater-Drink at least 64 oz a day, try to go 2x that the day/night before you race/big ride and be in outstanding shape.Robin a 29 year old Racer

Posted:09/03/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan-hit the trail on 9-2-01 hot hot hot!!!conditions are a loose but not bad,only made it to "lunch rock"sucked up all my gatorade.riddle me this batman how do the sporto guys ride this trail with only one water bottle?this trail always is a blast. ride on brothers and sisters!!!!!!!!Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 11.5 miles Elevation change: my ears poppedSingletrack=100% bungle a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a sc bullit freeride

Posted:09/03/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-This trail is king! The trail from the bottom to the rocks is smooth, but you have to squeeze your way through overgrown shrubs to get there. Oh and for tall riders don't forget to duck in a couple of places or you'll get a big nock on your noggin. There is a big tree that fell over and it's blocking the trail. It's when you go up over the hill past the rocks and down the two downhills the trail levels off again. shortly past that you'll see the tree. Darvy N' Titus cleared out a nice rideable path to the right of the tree. The top of the trail near bluejay is a little rough, lots of sharp rocks sticking up. Makes your tires go "Ping". Awesome trail, Awesome ride. Trail is in great condition for riders who don't mind their rides being a little rough and challenging in a few places. Top to bottom in 2 hrs 45 minutes. Esr ran the trail from bottom to bluejay in 2 1/2 hrs. Didn't see any mountain lions just a gigantic tarantula. A must ride trail for all mountainbikers. Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 23 miles Elevation change: 3500 ft.Singletrack=100% Darvey's n' Titus's a 24 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Aeon Isis by Ellsworth from Menifee

Posted:08/17/2001

Trail UpdateDEFY-resist the sierra club - REFUSE AND RESIST THE SIERRA CLUB,THEY WANT TO CLOSE ALL THE BEAUTIFUL SINGLE TRACK IN THE CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST.THIS CAN NOT AND WILL NOT HAPPEN!! E-MAIL CALL ANNOY ALL LOCAL ,STATE AND NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.GO TO THIS SITE AND BE HEARD!!!http://www.warriorssociety.org/sierra_club_seeks_wilderness.htmBUNGLE a Die-hard Enthusiast

Posted:08/15/2001

Trail UpdateThis trail could soon be closed to mountain bikers. Check the posts below and take action.

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-I rode this week end and the trail is getting beat and over grown dam it was hot out there bring lots of water and if you feel like doing a shuttle run then do it .Enjoy The Ride ,But respect your fellow man Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 12.25 Elevation change: Singletrack=110% Shocktower a 38 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Bullit from Alta loma

Posted:08/13/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-This trail is killer. It is pretty beat up from all the shuttle traffic on it though. If you can ride down this thing, then you can surely handle the uphill. The trail is smooth and graded really nice. The switchbacks are not that bad. There are alot of ruts from people ripping the corners too fast. I did it in 2 hours to the top and 1 hour down. This trail needs some love. If we could work on Los Pinos Trail, that could be a pretty great loop. Remember to respect hikers and uphill riders, and also ride the whole thing from bottom to top. Remember, this sport is called Mountain Biking?..... Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 22miles Elevation change: Singletrack=100% Donut a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a DeVinci Bonzai from El Segundo, CA

Posted:08/13/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-Take care of this trail. This ride is outstanding. The best singletrack that I have ever ridden. I took a trip to Moab last October and this trail rivals the few rides I was able to get in there. I am a long time rider with begginer technical skills, if that makes sense, and I suffered on some of the more technical sections of the ascent. This really is an intermediate to advanced ride, but go for it if you are a novice. You will be a better rider for the effort. This trail is beautiful.Ride rating: AdvancedSingletrack=100% Chris a 32 year old from Claremont

Posted:07/08/2001

Trail UpdateSAN JUAN-I went on my second night shuttle ride with the Circle City Cyclery sunday riding group. We started down at about 9:30 PM 6-30-01. The trail is awsome to ride at night. The air was nice and cool and view at the rock was sweet. The ride has a very different feel at night. I crashed in a rut an landed on my face, but I would do it agian to go on such a great ride. If you have never rode this trail at night with a group, I recomend that you give it a try. I recommend this ride for those who have skills, commense, or have ridden the trail in the day and know what to expect. Bring your pads unless you are fortunate to be as good as you think that you are....I'm not. We are very lucky to have this great singletrack to ride, I hope we all know this.Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 11 miles Elevation change: ????Singletrack=100% Chad a 29 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant XTC AC1 from Temecula, CA

Posted:07/05/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan, San Juan-Novics beware, Intermediates beware. Folks who rated this trail advanced weren't kidding. Riding up from the trailhead, it is a winding, tight switchbacks, with luge-like 1 to 2 feet depressions, all the way up the mountain. Conditons were also dry and slippery. Maybe I had a chance if I had a hardtail, but I doubt it. After falling on my ass couple times, did a lot of hike a bike. (Having said all this, like in the previous posting there are probably those who clear this, and I hate you as well). Coming back down was fun, but watch out that you don't slide off the hill. In couple sections it looked like there had been a mini earth slide. All in all, made me realize I need more training, and I will return again oneday to clean this baby.Ride rating: AdvancedTurtlepaul a 38 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Mongoose

Posted:06/29/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-I had allot of fun ,My riding bud`s are getting slower or I`am getting better , the day was a good day perfect weather ,The trail was very dry making it more challenging , But just as much fun ,Hope the guy we saw holding his arm in great pain is ok some guy`s were there helping him , Oh bertha from CDF came to the rescue ,She sounded so happy about having to work for her pay . Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 11.23 Elevation change: soso Singletrack=110% Dirt Road=00% Shocktower a 38 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Santa Cruz Bullit from Alta loma

Posted:05/21/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan-Rode there today with Robbie,Tommy,Mountain Goat & Chinese Studman.Conds were a little sandy with the big rocks showing there sharp points.It was not Robbies day, first the slide out down the side, OUCH that elbow hurts and blood ya baby show me some blood!!!!Then in Tommy's hole what can I say!!!Then Tommy tries the hand stand and lands on his headgood thing he had a skid lid on!!!The climber were very nice today better then normal.there was one guy not in are group crashed pretty bad the ranger was going up to get him, someone told her he was tring to be a he man???? WAS THAT OLD GUY CLIMBING UP ON THE DOWNHILL BIKE WAS THE BIKE A COSTCO BIKE????

Trail UpdateSan Juan On A CostCo Mongoose?-Old Man Walter, if your CostCo bike was the original DH-50 (Da Heavy 50) I cannot believe that a 79 year old could gripe. If you have the new model with the Giant Box swingarm you should stick to the Fullerton Loop and leave the San Juan Trail to better machinery.... :-)Ride rating: BeginnerRide distance: 0.5 miles Elevation change: 40 feetTruck Trail=100% Old Man Redfern a 82 year old riding a CostCo DH-50 Aluminum Hawg

Posted:05/02/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-The trail conditions are perfect right now.The clown in the last update sounds dopey.Old man Walter a 79 year old Racer riding a Costco Mongoose from Hell

Posted:05/02/2001

Trail UpdateI Am Mutant-

Los Pinos Peak - San Juan - Blue Jay - Los Pinos

Dude I am mutant. I did this ride 7 hours. Lots of fun to ride with friends and I wait for everyones. No bonk because I carry sandwich and goo. I also only dab twice. Not bad for a mutant.

I wore my multi-color pants from when I was kid in french. Still fit. Makes me excited that I skinny like kid still. Helps with wind resistance and makes me faster. This the trues, really. Also no ticks or scratching.

Next week I do Bell Ridge - that secret trail warrier society guys do. I probably smoke them. then I do Los Pinos again.

Plus I only intermediates rider.

Ride rating: ExpertRide distance: 26 miles Elevation change: Most in SocalSingletrack=100% Chirs a 32 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Santa Cruz from french

Posted:05/01/2001

Trail UpdateUltimate San Juan Experience-The trail is in good shape, the switchbacks near the lower trailhead are heavily rutted...but that adds to the excitement....I just hope hikers or runners don't complain too loudly. There were a few mud pits. Overall one of the epic rides in So. Cal.Sunday, there were a quite a few riders....I think the shuttling was minimal. Perfect day for a perfect trail.Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 23 miles Elevation change: plentySingletrack=100% Longboard1998 a 40 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 4 Banger w/ Goodies from Yorba Linda, CA

Posted:04/23/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Perfection-Finally got to experience this epic jewel of a trail. Don't let the elevation gain scare you away as the climb isn't all that steep and the increasingly beautiful views inspire you to keep pedaling. Riding on a weekday helps to avoid all the one-way shuttle bombers - we didn't see a soul. The trail itself is in perfect condition the entire way up to BlueJay, and except for a few little tricky sections, it's 100% ridable (I'm sure there are those that can clean the whole damn thing - and we hate you). Oh yeah, watch out for the poison oak. Don't miss this one!

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail Elevation-FYI: I brought my altimeter on the trip this time. Total climb (it counts whenever you pedal uphill) for the 24-mile round-trip from the bottom to Blue Jay campground and back is 4,000 feet.Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 24 miles Elevation change: 4,000'Singletrack=100% RangerJay a 47 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a reasonably well calibrated Cateye AT100 from RSM

Trail UpdateThis Trail Rock`s Hard-Almost to good but look out for that one turn that can swallow you if you go to slow behind some one sonny ,we made two runs and super bonk you need to ride I bet you are sleeping right now if you get a chance go and ride this trail if you are not a super climber you can shuttle just whatch out for climber`s with chip`s on there shoulders other wise it is great enjoy the ride .Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 11.23 Elevation change: Singletrack=110% Shocktower a 37 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a SANTA CRUZ BULLIT from Alta loma

Posted:03/04/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-This Trail ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!What more can I say This must be the best trail this side of Moab!!!The Bullitt is Fast but with so fine tuning watch out TommyTed the riding everyday showsJimmy that was a cool dismount!!!It was a great day with lots of ridesWhats up with everyone climbing up in the late morning?? Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 11miles Elevation change: Singletrack=100% MR BONK a 39 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Trek vrx400 from Rancho cucamonga

Posted:03/04/2001

Trail UpdateThe day could not have been better the trail was nice and wet plenty of grip Brent I`am practicing the trail we will be there sunday right ? well I needed to rub it in that I rode there today sorry Brent NOT !!!!!!!Ride rating: IntermediateSingletrack=100% Shocktower a 37 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a SANTA CRUZ BULLIT from Alta loma

Posted:03/02/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-I rode today and it was great I was totaly alone very little rain some hail and maybe a mountain lion really I saw tracks big kitty cat tracks fresh ,this time I parked at the bottom and rode up 4 miles ,I`am not as fit as I would like to be, soon though ,It was not that bad a little cold at first then I warmed up after a little climbing that`s all you do when you start from the bottom not that bad some technical sections I had to walk one it was very tough .If you have a chance you should ride the san jaun trail if you like down hill type stuff Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 11.62 Elevation change: Singletrack=100% tom a 37 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Santa Cruz Bullit from Rancho Cucamonga

Posted:02/23/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan-the trail was so wet , lot`s of grip but not the decomposed granite area`s they are still slick maybe I should slow down any who the trail was great this was the first time I have rode this trail we shuttled to the top and left a truck at the bottom it is an 11.23 miles single track about any one could do this trail just whatch out fir riders coming up and hikers too Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 11.23 Elevation change: Singletrack=100% Tom a 37 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Santa Cruz Bullit from Rancho Cucamonga CA

Posted:02/20/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Loop 18.4 Miles Of Fun-Starting from the trail's "bottom" behind the ranger station at 9AM, I chugged up the switchbacks. I managed to clean about half of the turns, walked a few, and fell on my ass a couple of times trying the rest! This trail was my most ambitious ride to date and well worth it despite being exhausted, dehydrated, bruised and slightly bleeding. Plenty of riders on the trail, especially the one-way folks down-hilling from Bluejay. I made it out to the Chiquita junction then followed "new" San Juan down and back up the hill. After that it was mostly downhill to the parking lot. The trail was in pretty good shape with plenty of technical sections, rock gardens, Luge-like troughs, and no mud. The weather was great and the hours of effort were well worth the experience. Sorry, no hunters spotted, but after the BATF takes away the hunters' evil, nasty firearms the feds will close the forest to mountain bikers anyhow......Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 18.4 miles Elevation change: 2400 feetSingletrack=100% Jim a 47 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized FSR Enduro Comp from Huntington Beach, CA

Posted:02/04/2001

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail Is Great!-I rode the San Juan Trail during the first week of November, 2000. The trail was in great shape! I was in okay shape! The switchbacks were in great condition! The sandy areas were not bad at all. There are some branches that need to be cutback on the top of the trail, but you can blast through them with no problem. Thank God that I did not see any hunters on the trail. As soon as I get my Kona mountain bike clean, I'll ride it again. Make sure that you buy a Annual Wilderness Pass; I saw a few cars with violation tickets. Also, if anyone would like to ride with me sometime in the future, please email me. I have a 4-Runner with a plush 4 bike rack. Shuttle?Ride rating: AdvancedKirk a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Kona from San Juan Capistrano, CA

Posted:11/23/2000

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-I rode the San Juan Trail from the lower trailhead up to Blue Jay and back today. The rain over the past few days was just what this trail needed. The traction was the best that I have ever seen here. The sandy base drained well. There were only a few puddles and no soft muddy areas. Even though it was cool and cloudy (good riding weather if you ask me), there were still many riders out. Most of them were shuttlers. One of them on a Schwinn 4-Banger went flying about 30 ft down the side slope in the wooded section about 2 miles down from the top. Luckily, a tree caught him and the 4-Banger; otherwise, he would have gone down much farther. My friend and I helped him climb back up the steep, leaf-covered slope. He and the bike were fine.

I saw one hunter today. He was friendly, but it is a bit unnerving to see these guys. Another rider said he heard gunshots, but I didn't hear any. I guess, from the post below, that they find deer. However, the San Juan seems to be a bad place to hunt since it has so much traffic. Oh well, I should break out an orange vest for the next ride so I don't get tagged.Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: 24 miles Elevation change: 2500 ftSingletrack=100% SS a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Catamount, which doesn't look like a deer, from OC

Posted:10/28/2000

Trail UpdateOne Less Deer To Worry About-The hunters mentioned in the last post had a good day. I too rode up San Juan Sunday. I arrived at Blue Jay around 1:00 to find a deer hanging from a tree with a group of hunters peeling its skin off.

So I ate my lunch and headed down.

Great ride, but don't wear antlers on your helmet.Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 22 miles Elevation change: Singletrack=100% RAG a 40 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a FSR XC from Tustin

Posted:10/17/2000

Trail UpdateDeer Hunters-I rode up San Juan Trail and did the Blue Jay campground loop on Sunday AM. It is in awesome condition, but when I left Cocktail Rock (clockwise direction) and proceeded toward Blue Jay, I heard a voice say Hi, but I couldn't see anyone. It was up in the oak forest near a grassy meadow. My eyes finally found two hunters dressed in camouflage sitting under a tree with shotguns. They asked me if I had seen any deer (I had not). They told me that gun season had opened on Saturday (10-14-00).

Anyway I had a great ride, but was spooked by the hunters. Next time I'll wear an orange vest.

Mike a 47 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Scott Al hardtail from Irvine

Posted:10/17/2000

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-Last week my friend John at Cirle City Cyclery in Corona told me that there was a night group ride set for this past Friday. Never having ridden at night I was hot to go. I bought some lights and we met up on Friday. After leaving a shuttle truck at the bottom we drove to the top where I was bummed that the three of us were the only ones there. While we were gearing up three truck & van loads showed up. After we socialized for a while the rangers showed up asking for a group use permitt. Since the supposed organizer: Night Rider did not show up there was not a permitt, the rangers told us the rules but decided to let the 40 or so of us ride despite a couple of drunks that wanted to argue with them. We started at about 9:45PM or 10:00PM. It was full moon and the sky was clear, the ride was spectacular at night the wooded section needed full lights and the uphill through the brush could be traversed by moonlight. For the down hill I turned on full lights and it was awsome. I have ridden the trail in the day and the night made it seem so different. There was only one big crash where a guy fell off the trail but he was not hurt. We had one light failure and the guy finishished without lights. My first night ride was great the climbs feel so much easier with out the hot sun, and going with a large group took a-lot of the first time fear out of my head. The trails were in great condition and as always the switchbacks keep your attention. If you get the chance I recommend riding the San Juan at Night. Hats off to the guys that jumped out of the Ellsworth vans and rode up and then back down the Trail that night.Ride rating: AdvancedSingletrack=100% Chad a 29 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a GT LTS2000DS from Temecula, CA

Posted:10/16/2000

Trail UpdateSAN JUAN TRAIL-Lit out for San Juan Trail today, and the conditions couldn't have been much better. The nice cool morning was perfect for my climb. Friday's small dose of rain left the shadier sections of the trail nice and tacky. The exposed areas, however, were the usual slip-n-slide sandy stuff, but nothing I'm not used to on San Juan. The best part of today, though, was the dearth of riders out on the trail. Came across only three small shuttle groups on my climb (all very courteous; thanks guys), then one climber on my descent (I guess we're a dying breed out there). This playground practically all to myself!! Beautiful. The only drawback on my little journey was mechanical difficulties. Broke my chain a half-mile from Blue Jay and had to walk the rest of the way to the top. Then it was nearly an hourlong wait for someone to happen by with a chain tool. (Many thanks to that guy on the FSR. Gotta go out now and replace my lost chain tool.) The descent was problem-free till I got about a mile from the bottom. Flat tire. Damn! Gotta stop and fix that. Total ride time after the delays: nearly 5 hours.Ride distance: 22 miles Elevation change: plentySingletrack=100% OverDaBars a 32 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight from Placentia

Posted:09/24/2000

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-We rode the trail yesterday, after confirming that it is still open (the San Juan picnic area is closed but that doesn't affect the trail). It was an amazing ride. The trail is in great shape, well groomed with not much overgrowth at all. Riding it mid-week was a real treat- we only encountered one other person on the trail- a long-distance runner who was cruising along at a pretty impressive pace. The climb up is excellent- moderate grade, with a few rocky sections to hold your attention- nothing very technical. The downhill is a blast, and we were definitely worn out by the time we returned to the cars. Highly recommended!Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 22 miles Elevation change: approx. 3000Singletrack=100% Scott Fischbein a 29 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Rocky Mountain Element T.O. from Irvine, CA

Posted:04/26/2000

Trail UpdateYesterday I posted the wrong information about closures here in the Trabuco District and I asked that the information be promptly removed. A few of you may have seen it. Most probably didn't.

If your not familiar with why seasonal closures are occurring in various parts of the Cleveland Nat'l Forest please use the URL link below and scroll down to the press release labeled "Forest Service Outlines Actions to Protect T&E Species".

Remember the most significant closure is Maple Springs Road from April 1st through sometime in September. Please heed the closure and help yourself and the rest of us maintain accessibility by helping the Forest Service comply with the lawsuit outlined in the press release.

Trail UpdateLower San Juan-Maple Springs-Silverado Canyon Road and the Lower San Juan picnic area off the Ortega (74) Highway, both in Cleveland National Forest, will be shut down from April 1 to Sept. 30, Forest Service biologist Mary Thomas said Monday.

"We have to close it off to everything and everybody, except for emergency access or in case of fire," she said.

Posted:03/16/2000

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail - Top Loop-Whilst the rest of you were playing couch potato on Super Bowl Sunday myself and two other guys took advantage of having no traffic on the trial and took our trail tools out for an afternoon. Our intent was to cut back the brush that had been slowly yet surely taking over the trail. The first section from Blue Jay to Cocktail Rock was in great shape and it was evident that quite a bit of brush clearing had taken place recently. The next third of the trail from Cocktail Rock to the start of the big downhill on the Old San Juan trail was in rough shape so we cleared the brush back on three sections of the trail totaling about .5 - .75 mile. From that point we were pleasantly surprised to find that the remainder of the trail to the start of the downhill had already been cleared. We just finished what someone else had started! So, go an enjoy! The top loop is in the best shape I've seen it in years. All we need now is to do a little patchwork on the trail itself and it'll be in fine shape. I'm still planning on getting a day or two together to do this so keep a lookout for more information!

See you out there!Ride rating: IntermediateRide distance: ? Elevation change: Singletrack=100% JLampitt a 28 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Cannondale SuperV500 from RSM

Posted:02/01/2000

Trail UpdateSaturday-Finally had the time to ride this trail in it's entirety, absolutely fantastic riding. Starting at the bottom with the switchbacks, mostly smooth climbing after that. Everyone was cool in both directions. It is amazing how you climb for 3 hours and descend in 40 minutes. Finished at dark, jumped in the truck and headed north for Santa Barbara. URL: Dusty Bottoms

Posted:01/18/2000

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-We were the first two vehicles in the parking area bright and early on Saturday morning (01-08-00). Early birds do get the worm! The trail is in fair to good condition however, brushing will be needed (especially in the top sections) sooner than later. I haven't been on this trail for some time but it's nice to see that someone has taken the time to partially maintain this historical trail. Encountered no crazy, blitzed-out downhillers and everyone seemed to be riding up the trail for their downhill reward! Thats great! A cautionary note... While trail conditions are fair a good rain will turn the lower 2/3 of the trail into a nightmare due to heavy rutting especially in the switchback areas. If you have the time and resources please help take care of our trail. Watch for mainenance announcements and do your part to keep trail access available. See you on the trail.Ride rating: AdvancedRide distance: 8-9 Elevation change: Singletrack=100% JLampitt a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Cannondale SuperV500 from RSM

Posted:01/10/2000

Trail UpdateSan Juan...-I have read a lot about this trail so an investigation was necessary. Started out Saturday morning by pulling into the lot to join the other 50 cars. I gotta say if anywhere needs more trails it's O.C., their trails are packed! Started at the bottom because THAT IS WHERE BIKE RIDES BEGIN, enjoying the switchbacks thoroughly. Up and back, and up and back, slowly making progress. A lot riders descending, surprisingly none with full face helmets! Everyone was totally cool, giving room when necessary. Then things flatten out a little heading into the interior. Then about half way up I did something really stupid. The nose of my buddy's seat was slipping upward so I thought I would try some caveman repairs. I bent the seat in half...our day was over :( A word to the wise, loosen the seat before you attempt this maneuver. The trail was great...I will be back. Good luck to you. Dusty Bottoms

Posted:01/10/2000

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail To Blue Jay-It's been quite a while since I've seen a current post on this trail. Perhaps that means it's now safe for the rest of the mountain bike world to ride this trail again. I'm going up this trail this weekend (01-08-00) to check trail conditions and then perhaps organize a maintenance day or two depending on conditions. You may or may not know that several local organizations have stopped maintenance efforts on this trail due to less than considerate shuttlers. I'm not here to rag on those that like to shuttle but listen up. This trail is in danger of being accessible. Please do your part to help keep this trail maintained and more importantly open for all types of trail users. It takes each one of us to keep ourselves in check and ourRide rating: AdvancedRide distance: 11.7 Elevation change: Singletrack=100% JLampitt a 27 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Cannondale SuperV500 from Rancho Santa Margarita

Posted:01/04/2000

Trail UpdateBONEHEAD!-Hey man the trail is called the San Juan Trail, formerly the San JuanDownhill... And no one goes down it @ 40 mph. Washouts? Dude it's called"Moutain Biking," not road riding. There are no washouts. Heat exhaustion?I just did it today it was in the high 90's plenty of agua and it's all good. Dude, you suck! Stay in LA. Your a looser. One good thing, people wontknow what the name of the trail is, hopefully they'll get lost.

A FAT DOWN HILL RIDER a 18 year old Downhiller riding a HUFFY FULL SUSPENSION from O.C.

Posted:10/12/1999

Trail UpdateFrank-Awesome trail !! Don't forget you pass adventure or pay $100.00 fine. To ride this trail up hill get there early in the morning. This way you avoid heat exaustion and another rider coming at you at 40 MPR. The trail it self is mostly in good conditions some partially washed out areas but not bad. Good workout going up hill, awesome downhill. Hey by the way, if any of you know when they will be working on this trail let me know. I would very much like to help. I know Chiquito Trail needs some work with its overgrown bush. The switchbacs are really good. HEY, remember the rider climbing the hill has the right of way.

CIAO

Singletrack=110% frank a 30 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a YETI - AS3 from COVINA, CA.

Posted:06/12/1999

Trail UpdateEric Esparza-trails verry nice only two or three washed out places very rideableSingletrack=101% eric esparza a 24 year old Downhiller riding a rocky mountain from san antonio tx

Posted:07/04/1998

Trail UpdateMatt B.-The switch backs on the way up have been worked on. This makes the ride up very do-able. there is still alot of erosion across the trail making for a bumpy ride. The trail has seen alot of traffic so its got some good lines to follow. Once at the point that the trail splits, not sure what everyone calls this place but it's the main resting spot, I took the tail to the right. Get ready to get bush-wacked. the over gowth is BAD. Take the bar ends off. All in all, I was supprised how well the trail survived the winter rains. Oh, if you find a Trek cycle computer along the trail, it's mine. Singletrack=100%

Posted:06/18/1998

Trail UpdateSan Juan Trail-Make sure you purchase a $5 Adventure pass from the California Forest Service. If you don't, and you are parked in the Ortega Mtn.s, you will receive a $50 ticket. They can be bought in advance and used any day. I guess all the national forest's are doing this now. Singletrack=99%